These are often pretty smart people but they seem to mainly use FB for cat memes , pictures of food and the sort of "nerd humour" you might find on reddit.
FB does not do very well for other purposes.
Just remember that you don't have to actually use Facebook. You merely need Facebook.
In other words, Facebook is your social network; it represents your circle of power. The more points you have on the circle, the more directions you can pivot in life.
For example, often times the people who are the least capable can still be an advantage to you; they will be loyal to you, and they will help you when you have no other options.
But, on the other hand -- you don't have to spend your time on Facebook. In other words, it's best to keep our identities as small as possible, so therefore it's a benefit to avoid making Facebook a part of our identity.
I have friends from way back that can't relate to what I'm doing and will probably never "help" me in any way. However, when I go back home, I greatly enjoy spending time with them and for me that enough.
No, not at at all. I just have no friends from my early days. (Ruthlessly bullied throughout school. Midwest children had no tolerance for programming geeks circa 2000.)
One of the primary ways people can find "you specifically" is through Facebook, and the other way is through LinkedIn. That's all I meant by "you need Facebook".
Recruiters, for example. I've gotten way more random LinkedIn offers that have led to jobs than I ever would've guessed. (~7 offers, 2 jobs. But of course the "offers" are just "offers to interview"; still, that's something.)
Also, it is good for open-mindedness when not all people we hang out with come from the same group.
Within the contexts where I met and got to know these people, they are great. In angry political comments, or wallspam trying to get something or other banned, they are not. Facebook forced me to acknowledge that I like a bit of formality and artifice in my relationships with most people. I think that most people are more attractive with their clothes on.
That's pretty damn quick to judge. You have more experience with tech -- get over yourself. I'm sure they know things that you don't.
JUST EFF THE EFF OFF.
Do any children still have cancer? I'm scrolling as fast as can!
Of course, my opinion of these friends of mine drops, but what do they care about that? :)