Welcome to the site! Note that there's also a Digital Cameras Forum here. You could post there, too.

The problem with auto flash - and this isn't limited to digital cameras - is that the background always goes too dark. The solution is to set the Flash On setting that most compact cameras have. It's usually indicated by a little lighting bolt symbol. The Flash On setting will take a slow exposure and fire the flash. The slow exposure exposes for the ambient light allowing background details to appear. And the flash lights and freezes the main subject.

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have more questions. And please post some photos in the Photo Critique section or on the new gallery. The best thing about this community is sharing photos and learning to take better pictures. Sharing your photos and getting feedback is the best way to learn.