> But now you're telling me you're aware of these issues… I don't want to assume, but you sure look like an egotistical bastard at this point. Or a cynic. I'm not sure which is worse.
That seems a bit extreme... The effect on others is pretty minimal, what is so bad about using Facebook just because you like it, despite the small side effects on others? So your saying that anyone who uses Facebook after hearing about shadow accounts is a 'egotistical bastard'?
Depends on the expected magnitude of the effect. If small enough, you're still good. There are also ways to mitigate those effects, such as lurking only, never tag anything, use the "like" wisely…
It's not just about shadow accounts, by the way. There are more direct effects. For instance I was once forced to set up an account for logistic reasons (they used Facebook extensively, if not exclusively). Worse, when I tell them I didn't got some news (because I didn't check that account very often, and I turned off the very annoying notifications), they say "but I sent the mail" (they only used Facebook). I have since "deleted" my account, good riddance.
So, the effect on me was direct and significant. Depending on how you use Facebook, you can have a similar effect. The worst you can do is set up events and invitations on Facebook only, forcing your friends to either use Facebook, or drift apart.
That seems a bit extreme... The effect on others is pretty minimal, what is so bad about using Facebook just because you like it, despite the small side effects on others? So your saying that anyone who uses Facebook after hearing about shadow accounts is a 'egotistical bastard'?