Cultural conservatives and grannies alike are bemoaning the end of an era. They wax on about a time when people wrote letters on parchment with fountain pens instead of posting OMG’s and WTF’s on Facebook walls. They reminisce over the days of proper courtship, when holding hands was considered forward. Many adults these days see the rise of internet communication and “hookup culture” as the undoings of society as we know it. While I love a good old fashioned postcard and swoon when I get taken out on a real date, I don’t think Facebook and hookups are going to lead civilization astray. In fact, I boldly assert that modern technology and modern “relationships” are the new frontiers of international diplomacy.

According to the LGBT community, Facebook is useful for more than just sharing photos and favorite pastimes; it’s also great for coming out. Instead of doing it the old fashioned way—face to face—coming out of the closet now only entails checking a box on your Facebook profile page. Friends can then discover your sexual status at the comfort of their own computer, and you can avoid spending precious time engaging in what could be uncomfortable exchanges.

Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals talked to Time about the new Facebook trend, explaining that it has turned what used to be a tedious process into a convenient and liberating one.

“I just came from a courthouse where they practically want you to undress to be approved for official gender reassignment,” said Herrald, a practicing bisexual. “But on Facebook, I could do it myself and under my own terms. I made that announcement in my own town square.”
   
Oh Facebook, how we rely on you.