Is your Facebook page really your own page?

I have a really good friend who posts on her Facebook page about many aspects of her life. She does is it in a way that is funny and enjoyable.  She is the one person you often wait to see what they have to say.  Being it is HER Facebook page, she does post about her personal views on the things she believes in. Lately people have been attacking her on her wall and through email about the things she posts.  It got to the point where she pulled her account down. 

When I found out what was going on through another site where this group of friends post privately to each other, I started wondering if Facebook is your page or is it made out to seem that it is, but it really isn't your page? Yes, she does say things at times that the masses may not agree with, but if you don't like it, then unfriend her. You do not have to remain "friends" with someone who you do not feel share the same opinions as you do.  Or does it come down to the fact that these social media sites are on the Internet and even though you own your page, it really isn't your page.  Yes, I am very aware of when you put something out on these sights that it is out there for the world to see, but come on-- attacking someone verbally or via email for sharing their thoughts and opinions is a little uncalled for. 

Hearing that this friend took her page down (it is now back up) means that there must have been some strong words sent to her because she is not the type to back down from a good fight. Maybe I view the world differently than some by respecting the thoughts and ideas from people and not attacking them for having their own views.  Everyone deserves to have their own personal identity, but is social media changing the arena for where we can be our own person?

Social media intrigues me. There are so many different angles to it- many of which we really haven't begun to fully understand yet.  Do I feel social media is changing the way we are and who we are? Yes, I do.  I also feel that if we don't start to look at it more closely we may miss out or we may end up causing more harm than good.  It takes instances where I hear what my friends go through that it really makes me want to learn and understand these tools more. Is it my need to protect my friends or is it my curiosity? I'm sure all that know me will say its both.