I really thought that Facebook was one of the smartest ideas in recent Internet history. That is, until my dad got a Facebook.

Now don’t get me wrong, my dad is a pretty groovy guy — in his own words — and all my friends love him. The difference between being cool and being on Facebook, however, is that he can check up on everything I do.

I know what you’re thinking: “Don’t let him be your friend then.” I wish I had a choice.

I kid you not, my dad basically threatened me unless I add him on Facebook, the old “add me, or you’re punished” routine. I’m sure a lot of people have had that same problem; almost everyone I know has a parent on Facebook, or at least some previous generation of their family as friends — my grandma has an account too.

The question is, is it really worth it to friend your parents?

You have to censor yourself, though of course you should be censoring everything you have on your page anyway. They could know every lie you tell, every illegal drink (for those under 21) you take or every illegal substances (for any age) you ingest, or perhaps inhale.

Others say, “What’s the harm?” That could be true.

Is there really anything you’re giving up by letting your parents be friends with you on Facebook? Besides, of course, the privacy that you don’t really have until you go to college. I didn’t think I had anything to hide, but any boy I talk to or any time I go out, it’s always, “Who is that?” or “Where did you go?” It could be a great way to stay in touch, especially between classes and homework. I’m just not sure if I’m all that comfortable with him checking up on me when I’m not completely aware of it.

To think of it from their perspective, signing up for an account in the first place is all about connecting with old high school or college friends. I’m sure none of us have anything against that, but why do they have to add us?

It’s just one of those things that I’m sure they think they’re entitled to, and yet another one of those instances where they say, “You’ll understand when you’re older and have your own kids.” But just think of the technology they’ll have by that point to keep tabs on your own college-bound kids.