Facebook is just like anything else in this world, -you get out of it what you put into it! Facebook has the ability for its' user to be totally obscure, --or very transparent depending on the settings you choose. If you don't want the general public to know your business, then do not tell them!!
As for Facebook, I personally like to share certain aspects of my life (things I am proud of) and I like to read about things my friends are doing because I genuinely care. If I find someone is continually offensive, then I have the ability to block them (which I generally do). It also has the ability to quickly connect with church members or civic groups when there are last minute details that need to be passed along.
Just like Fordbarn, I can browse Facebook on my phone while I am waiting on something else (I.E: sitting on a bench at the mall while wife shops, waiting on table at restaurant, on-hold on telephone, etc.). I guess what I am saying is Facebook is a 'tool', ...just like a car is a tool, or a telephone is a tool, or a computer is a tool, a garage is a tool, etc. None of these 'tools' are a necessity in life, but if we use each of them properly, they can make life easier for us. If we abuse or misuse any of these 'tools', then they are just an added stress in our life.