Why use Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is fully open source and therefore anyone has access to the source code at any time. Not only can a developer verify the Bitcoin code, they can copy it, change it and implement their own version.  The consensus of the network however, prevents changes from being adopted easily.  If 10,000 users have to agree on a change a majority is required.  This means changes and developments in Bitcoin tend to be driven by collective financial incentives. 
http://wikiblinks.com/
Each transaction is a push of funds from one wallet to another.  Contrast to the current credit card industry which uses a pull mechanism.  You give the merchant your personal information and trust them to only take the agreed on funds (you also trust them and all the third parties to protect your information).  
In addition, several interesting reasons to use Bitcoin include:
Picture
Easy Payments.  Bitcoin transfers wealth (from a penny to millions worth) around the globe, within minutes, all day, without a third party and zero transaction fees.

 Picture
Faster Payments.  Bitcoin allows individuals to send value to whomever they choose, even when their bank is closed.
Picture
Programmable Supply.  Unlike other fiat currencies, the printing of bitcoin is programmed into the software, and controlled by consensus.  
 Picture
Secure Identities.  Bitcoin protects users from modern day identity thefts that result from the existing financial system.
Picture
Cheaper Payments.  Bitcoin does not have payment processor usage fees. Bitcoin does not have chargebacks.
 Picture
No Third Party.  Bitcoin helps an individual maintain personal control over his/her wealth all the while storing it outside a failing fiat currency system.

Why Not to Use Bitcoin?

Picture
Still in Beta.  New ideas always have bugs.  While every passing day strengthens the case for Bitcoin, new risks could cause problems for early adopters.
 Picture
Young Infrastructure.  Bitcoin currently lacks full applications and infrastructure, as compared to the established fiat system today.
Picture
High Price Volatility.  Any investing of wealth comes with risk.  Investing is about minimized risk with maximized returns (the other half is a good marketing campaign).
 Picture
Uncertainty in Regulations.  Bitcoin is a new way to facilitate human interactions in ways that have never been done before.  With anything new there is a learning curve for policy makers.  

Learn More

Picture
Why Bitcoin (Coindesk)
Picture
Andreas Antonopoulos
Picture
Stanford on Bitcoin
Picture
BitcoinWeekly