I am a minority. Yes, I am a middle-class Caucasian female at Penn State, but sometimes I feel like part of a minority -- I'm not on Facebook.

I have come to expect a certain type of reaction when I reveal this deep, dark secret. People usually seem confused/surprised and ask "Why?" with such alarm/horror that you would think I kicked a puppy. They call me a freak and say I'm "out of the loop" -- but I think I'm okay with that.

I shrug off pleas and pressure to join Facebook because, really, I just don't understand why it's such a big deal.

I've always been a late-bloomer when it comes to communication technology. When most of my peers started using AOL Instant Messenger in seventh grade, I didn't start using AIM until I came to college, when the Ethernet hookups in the dorms made it possible to be online 24/7. I avoided sending e-mails until low and behold Penn State gave me my own WebMail account. So, when Penn State's extensive Facebook community was created, I decided that, like sororities and country music, it just wasn't for me.

First of all, I have heard many first-hand accounts from Facebook users that it's addictive and distracting, which makes me wonder why it's so flippin' sweet. I know you can keep in touch with people, look at funny pictures and join groups. But would joining the "I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches" group really make me more popular? I have never felt that my Facebook absence has had a negative affect on my social life. Facebook is funny and cute, sure, but I don't like to be associated with anything labeled "cute." Maybe not joining is my own way to avoid conforming to societal norms. Or maybe I'm full of crap.

Honestly though, Facebook scares me. I don't fancy the thought of a complete stranger reading details about my life and wanting to "poke" me. Making my profile accessible only to my friends doesn't make me feel any more secure. There's always someone who will find a way around the system. And I've heard people admit that they use Facebook to "stalk" people. This kind of creeps me out.

I'm content in my anonymity. I value my privacy and considering that the police are now using Facebook to aid their investigation into those who rushed the field at the Ohio State game, I'm glad mine is not being violated. Sure, it is pretty lame that law enforcement authorities are using Facebook, but there is a larger issue here. People should have been aware that the government and corporations have access to people's Internet activities before they posted incriminating information. For example, Echelon, a huge intelligence and analysis network, uses computers to sort intercepts such as phone calls, faxes and e-mails all over the world. It is important that people realize the stuff they write online is not as safe as they may think it is. Don't let this keep you up at night, it could be worse. At least we don't live in China where the government censors Internet access and content.

To all you Facebook-ers at large, don't think I'm hatin'. What you do in your spare time is up to you. (When I get a free minute or two I watch re-runs of Laguna Beach so who am I to judge?) Just know the risks involved when you join the "I'm under 21 and like to get drunk" group. And if you ask me why I'm not on Facebook, don't be offended when I ask you why you are.