I don’t know about you, but for me, Facebook isn’t worth it. With a slew of privacy violations repeatedly surfacing, it’s just not worth it. It’s not worth sharing my photos (did you know Facebook owns anything you post?) or actively using the site that uses your personal information to “personalize” your experience. Personalize here means: sell out to advertisers.

Have you read the about the most recent “Scary privacy issue” on Facebook?  ”Details of 100 million Facebook users published online” details the latest of Facebook violating our privacy. Earlier this year, “Zuckerberg: I know that people don’t want privacy.” One thing after another, yet people stick around on Facebook. Why? Possibly because they don’t know of any other options. Let’s talk. I still very much want my privacy. That’s why I use BensonsLife.

BensonsLife is a superb alternative to Facebook. Not only is it safe – you have complete control over who can see your profile, and all default settings are the most protective of you as a user – but it’s also serving unmet needs for families and communities. No, this isn’t for college students, it’s not to share what you had for breakfast, or to “snoop” on any random person you used to know. It’s not about reconnecting with your long lost neighbor who you hardly knew even back in the day. It’s not about open social sharing. It’s about fostering stronger connections with people who matter in your life. Your family. Your close friends. And people in your active communities and groups.

BensonsLife is organized around your Circle (personal connections – family and close friends), who receive updates when you post a new picture or invite them to an event like a birthday party. These are relevant updates. The people you admit to your Circle are the only ones who receive your updates.

The BensonsLife Communities provide a safe platform that makes it easy to keep a group organized (to see how your group could use BensonsLife, check out the BensonsLife Groups Guide). With centralized tools for planning, communication and sharing, group management can now be a breeze. Plus, what’s nice is that there is no visibility across groups; meaning someone in my KC Strikers group can’t see my posts in my Fry Family group. Further, unless someone in one of my communities is also in my Circle, they will not see any of my personal information or pictures. There is a clean and distinct line between my family/close friends and my communities/groups.

Been thinking about leaving Facebook? Need an incentive? How about transitioning to a safe platform that respects your privacy and provides tools for safe sharing with your distinct social circles. It’s time.