I have always been conscious with the use of camera flashes. Since I started getting involved in photography, I have been very conscious as to when my camera flash should be on and when it should be off. I do not really want to put my flash mode to auto every time.

I don't know for sure, but I'm thinking that if the flash is left on all the time it might drain your battery quicker? I usually just turn mine on when I need it and back off once I've taken the shot or shots I want at that particular time.

There is no need for it all the time. Only shadow or dark places. Yes it will run your battery down and will not add anything to your picture when not needed. I would suggest using your eye to see if there are any shadows in the way or not, if not do without the flash.

It's a best practice for beginners to put the flash at auto mode.So that whenever the surrounding requires flash,the camera will swith on the flash.And if you're a good photographer & have experience,then you may put the flash on when you need it.It should not be put in on condition everytime.It'll drain your battery quickly as well as the quality of the photos will be downgraded.

Actually it depends upon the terrain and the light intensity in the area where you are taking the photograph. However such parameters may vary from region to region.

Sometimes I like to experiment with and without flash, when I have control over the subjects.

I think that having an unnecessary flash in a shot makes it look more "amateur" in my opinion.

I like trying to use practical sources of light when available.

I think using flash all the time is not a good idea, it will consume for battery more over if you really feel that you need flash all the time, first look at the surroundings and then only decide.