Here is a picture of 3 different fuel filters that I cut open: Note the fuel flows from the outside of the filter element, to the inside. The dirt is collected on the outside of the element and is visible below.
The one on the left came out of my 2000 Jimmy after 4-5 months service. It is an Aftermarket filter.
The one in the middle came out of a 2000 Chevy Truck with an unknown length of service, it is an aftermarket filter. This truck had a fuel pump failure.
The one on the right came out of a 2003 Chevy Truck and was the original OEM A/C Delco filter with approximately 7 years of service. The wrinkled element was a result of cutting the filter open. This fuel pump did not fail, but it was probably close.
As you can see, Gasoline carries a lot of dirt and debris that will clog your filter and ruin your fuel pump. It should be noted that when I cut these filters open, there was absolutely no loose dirt or debris. The blackened filter elements are a result of the fine (microscopic) particles of dirt in the fuel that stick to the element. If you haven't changed your Fuel Filter in the past year, do yourself a favor and do it now.