Why Facebook Is A Woman’s Best Friend

Women are discovering the joys of technology, thanks to the hugely popular social media application, Facebook. Melanie Lee reports.

According to statistics from Inside Facebook, female Facebook users greatly outnumber their male counterparts, and for good reasons too. With its easy-to-use platform that allows people to look for friends, post status updates, chat, comment, leave notes, throw a sheep, join networks, send gifts, it’s no wonder that millions of women worldwide log onto this innovative social media tool everyday to connect with their Facebook friends.

Getting reacquainted with long-lost friends is one of the main reasons why Facebooking is a meaningful activity to many.

“Reconnecting with old classmates and ex-colleagues over Facebook really makes my day, especially when we haven’t been in contact for over 20, or even 30 years! It’s lovely to know that someone remembers you, and not only that, actually made the effort to look for you,” says Elaine Woo, 40, who describes such virtual reunions as “mutual joy.”

Facebook is also a potential trove of juicy gossip for the inner busybody of every woman. You can check out who your friends are friends with, what they did over the weekend or their holidays, with their posted photographs or even get the lowdown on personal affairs with the updates on your friends’ relationship statuses.

“It allows me to check out interesting facts and photos of people I might be intrigued with,” says Michele Seah who is in her 30s.

The social networking site can also be a great aide to women who are running a business or starting a new one — whether home-based or a new restaurant or bar. Companies like Maternity Exchange, which sells and rents out designer maternity-wear, have found Facebook very useful.

“Facebook is a great way for us to tell our customers about our latest promotions and the new styles that have just arrived,” explains Shereen Ng, marketing executive for Maternity Exchange. The company sends out Facebook messages to their database at least once a week. Photos of new designs are posted on the site, as well “messages like road closures and how to get to our stores during the Grand Prix!”

WOMEN TALK: Reasons We Love Facebook

“Facebook is one of the avenues where I get to commiserate or share my joys about parenting with other parents.” Lianne Ong, 33, stay-at-home mum

“I managed to give overdue apologies to people I had hurt when I was much younger and foolish.” Elaine Woo, 40, stay-at-home mum

“After my break-up, it’s been really comforting to receive words of encouragement from so many friends on Facebook. It makes me feel less alone.” Li Hui Shan, 30, freelance writer

“My daughter and I give virtual gifts to each other with the Growing Gifts or Pet Society applications. She will buy me a flower while I will buy her furniture to furnish her “room” It’s a great pick-me-up when I’m at work!” Abigael Tay, 29, designer

“The status update function on Facebook allows me to find out what’s been happening in my friends’ lives. I like that fact that I can also comment on their updates – you never know how you might be able to strengthen your friendship this way.” Michele Seah, 30-something, PR executive