I think everyone needs to get off their high horse about this facebook thing. Sure they probably want more likes. If you look at the bigger picture with the way the world is going. Facebook is also used to make contacts with employers,connections and various job opportunities. If your that worried about your privacy don't put it on your computer or the internet. Remember no matter where you post your information even when signing up on websites and games your still as much at a risk as being on face book. I've been on face book since it started and my privacy settings are at max, no one can even find me.
So if your hearing that from mom and dad, not saying their wrong, Everything with caution. But for some of the children/young teenagers on here. Not meant to mock anyone, but when you get into good colleges and universities will find out one day it might be a requirement even as an assignment to make connections with those in your future line of work, even through twitter, myspace, linkedIn.
So before you take everything you hear on the news as a threat use your lovely brains and consider with the way the world is going it might be the only way to do work one day. Look at Second Life. I entered! who doesn't want membership for life. but everyone to their own. Just offering insight. Since I've used to it to find work and am employed now
If its such a big thing forget about it and move on to the next thing.