Over the past six years, Facebook has become one of the largest social networking sites on the Web. What was originally created to be a networking site for Harvard students has become a dominant means of communication for people of all ages.
The epidemic of Facebook users and abusers has immeasurable effects on numerous facets of our society; it has permeated higher education and has emerged as a prevalent component of college students’ lives.
Facebook is a very versatile tool; it’s fast and efficient, and it can make information available to massive amounts of people.
Consequently, many college students and various groups they represent have turned to Facebook to promote events and organizations. Many organizations at UH have Facebook groups to aid in their planning and success.
While some University groups still use more conventional means of advertising, this technologically advanced measure of communication adds to their ability to promote.
Facebook has morphed from a tool used casually to keep in contact with friends and family to many people’s primary foundation of socialization. When on Facebook, people have the opportunity to network with virtually anyone.
Unfortunately, this overwhelming access to people all over the world has been harmful to many Facebook users. Not only does depending on cyber communication eventually hinder our ability to personalize and interact face-to-face, but it also becomes an addictive, alternate reality for many users.
Instead of visiting with friends in the real world, people can now simply log on to Facebook.
The more online friends one has, the more likely they are to engage in less personal interaction.
UH student David Lagua summed it up aptly when he said, “Our group of friends will sit around a table, all be logged into Facebook and not say a word to each other for a good five minutes.”
While the network is designed to aid in communication and relations, it has become ultimately a very independent practice for many people.
Many users get caught up in an alternate, digital reality; some go so far as to treat their Facebook page as a representation of themselves, spending time creating and modifying their digital identity.
This superficiality complex can result in a frivolous Facebook experience, with people concerning over trivialities such as the number of “friends” they have or laboring over their next profile picture.
Facebook is a great tool when used properly. Users should try to balance Facebook with the rest of their lives without giving it too much importance.
Erin Rampy is a UH student and may be reached at [email protected]
