Guava wrench -
I am not concerned with the inherent irrelevance of status updates. But I don't agree with your belief that sharing tidbits into one's life makes a person social or keys you into his/her real life. Most facebookers (I too was guilty of this) are simply trying to build up their boring lives - which, ironically, appears to have the opposite effect of hindering legitimate social relations.
Make note that because this is the internet, this is a virtual reality, as I talked about before. What we do and say on here - whether it's facebook or Celticsblog, are hardly a reflection of who we really are. It is moreso a reflection of how we want others to perceive us. Even amongst people I know, there are inconsistencies between real life behavior and online behavior. This leads me to formulate that Facebook is a crutch for many of its users. Its addictive format inhibits real communication and desire for positive relationships. The older folk are best equipped to use it because, by and large, they are way past the popularity contest stage, and are merely seeking connections with past and present acquaintances. Sadly though, a lot of older folk misuse the site too. I was connected to some older family members that were on the site all day. Some workplaces haven't blocked facebook out of their system. That is when the bulk of working professionals appear to be most active on the site - playing games like Farmville.
Facebook also has lots of positives that I won't brush off for the sake of making my argument. It is a terrific (and free) outlet to advertise your business and promote sales. It does also accomplish its goal of connecting people who don't have an alternate method of connection since so many people use it.
I guess you can say some are secure enough in their personality that they retain their genuineness while communicating with others on the internet. But it is easy to get overboard. Because that is where the problems that I have addressed in my posts originate... once you begin using the site just a little too much.