When searching for people, Facebook often is one of the first websites that comes to mind. The social media platform was created in order to connect people digitally and share their lives with one another over the internet. Many people searching for biological parents or adopted children begin their search on Facebook due to its large membership pool as well as it’s notoriety. There are pros and cons of using Facebook in an adoption search.
One of the biggest advantages is, of course, the massive numbers of Facebook users as well as ease of accessibility. Nearly everyone has a facebook account, which means the people you’re looking for probably do to; if they don’t, they probably know someone who does. In addition, there are many groups that have been created on facebook dedicated to reuniting biological families and their adopted children. These groups have many resources and can be very supportive and helpful to individuals conducting their searches. Facebook can be a great platform to get your name out there when searching, we’ve all seen the viral facebook posts being shared of adopted children or biological parents standing with posters of their information trying to find their missing family members. It can be very beneficial and effective.
One of the disadvantages of using Facebook is the very same reason that makes it such an advantage to use: the massive amounts of members and ease of accessibility. Maybe the person you’re searching for is named Mary Elizabeth Smith. You might get lucky and find the right Mary Elizabeth Smith on your first search, but that isn’t likely. Perhaps she goes by the name Lizzy Smith on social media. Perhaps she’s married since then and changed her name to Mary Elizabeth Johnson. There are so many variables that make it difficult to pinpoint the correct person. There is always the risk of scammers taking advantage of someone who they know is actively searching for their biological family. Always be cautious and careful when interacting with anyone claiming to be a biological family member.
Facebook is a great tool that is most useful when you have a firm grasp on the exact identity of the individual or individuals you’re looking for. Using it in an adoption search is a good option that has worked for many individuals.
