I see that many of you are admitting to feelings that I similarly associated with my facebook. It is a silly networking tool. It seems rather benign to the uninformed citizen that facebook allows one to connect with old and current acquaintances and be able to keep up with eachothers lives. But sadly, the people, whom you may very well care two hoots about, who incessantly keep creating statuses and posting garbage that successfully adulterate your mind, are those you actually grow dismay for, rather than its so-called intended purpose.
In the grander scheme of things, facebook is no different from video games, internet games, or those other "virtual" realities that share the common quality of being addictive. The people who create these virtual realities want you, the user, to become hooked. They want all their users to become hooked, so that they rake in the most amounts of money. Do they really care if your mind is being affected by your use?
Well, I just have my perspective. But having talked to close people I know about facebook, they share my concerns. To address KungPoweChicken's post - I am not aware of the reasons behind women using facebook more than men. If I had to attempt to explain the phenomenon, my guess would be that women enjoy the chance of catching up with old friends more and "shooting the ****". Especially housewives who have nothing better to do. I was connected to a few during my time on that site for what it's worth.