Facebook: Blessing or Curse?
As I sat down at my computer this morning, I performed my normal routine – I checked my e-mail to make sure none of my classes were canceled, glanced at the daily weather forecast, updated my Netflix queue, and last but certainly not least, logged into my Facebook account. No less than 10 minutes later, I realized that I was in danger of being late to work… This got me thinking (even though thinking can be dangerous for many college students before noon) about the black hole that is Facebook.
At this time, if you haven’t already done so, go ahead and log into your Stalkerbook, er, I mean your Facebook account. Now, it may seem like I have a grudge against Facebook, however that is really not the case. From my point of view, which is that of a college senior, Facebook is the ULTIMATE social networking tool. When used properly, of course.
In my opinion, here are some of the great things about Facebook:
- Stay connected with people- It’s the foundation that social networking is built on. Whether it be a long-lost friend from the second grade or a close relative, it is almost impossible to lose touch with people. Especially now that Facebook prods you to write on the walls of friends you may have been neglecting!
- Birthday reminders- If you are anything like me, you have a horrible memory. It takes me multiple encounters to remember someone’s name, so you can imagine how I do with birthdays. Thanks to the reminders, I no longer feel like a jerk because I forgot a birthday. I just feel like a jerk because Facebook had to remind me.
- Facebook Chat- With the click of a button, I have instant access to every friend that is online. I think that feature pretty much speaks for itself.
- Mass picture storage- Assuming FB isn’t going anywhere, I can rest easy knowing that I have access to all my photos anytime and anywhere.Though, if you are less than moral in your pictures, you might want to think about making your album private.
- Communication on a greater scale- Need something quick? Just ask every one of your 800 friends via status update. There is a good chance that SOMEONE can/will help.
With the good, comes the bad:
- A slew of pointless applications- For the last time, NO! I would not like to accept your Zombie Wars, Mafia Wars or Farmville request! Even worse are the thousands of surveys that serve absolutely no purpose. I can’t believe someone formulated an algorithm to tell me the exact day I’m going to die or the name of the person I will marry! Please, if you indulge in one of these surveys, think before you click the “Publish to Facebook” button.
- Cries for attention- At least when people publish their entire weekend plans in a status update, others can take it into consideration when trying to make their plans. When someone posts an update like “So sick of it all,” they really just want to see how many comments they can get.
I saved the best for last:
- Political statements- Are you just looking to start a fight? I suppose it is impressive that your post generated 35 comments, but in the end, the only thing that that comes out of these often one-sided posts is extreme animosity among friends. If you really feel strongly enough about something political, join a forum or get off your computer and actually get involved!
Like any other legal and addicting activity, please enjoy responsibly!
November 5th, 2009at 7:24 pm
I agree with you–facebook is a great social networking site and a site to keep in touch with loved ones and friends. I think it can be addicting to some and tedious to others. I check my facebook everyday and do have people I keep up with. I do think there is some scrutiny of FB being used while at work. I hear a rumor that they are tracking employee internet use now at the UTMC campus. I have very mixed feelings on this. I think if people are being responsible and doing their jobs and they have a free minute to check their email or FB–then what is the harm?? Our society is a technological one and most things done in the hospital/university are linked somehow to computers. How is tracking people going to help?? How is computer use time any different from the person who reads a book, works on their class homework, or text messages on the cell??
November 6th, 2009at 5:28 pm
This is a really interesting article. I check my Facebook at least twice a day.. but I am also going to school in Toledo (obviously), which means that I am 2,400 miles away from home. So having a connection with my friends from back home means a lot. It is kind of ridiculous the fights people have over one persons “status” though. I once saw four really close friends fighting and “yelling” at each other over another friends status because they wrote something about politics, which of course, set into motion everyone thinking that they had to defend their opinion.
I completely agree with you, Facebook can be a curse when you don’t appreciate the people in it as a blessing.
- lindseyd
November 9th, 2009at 10:51 am
(clicking the “Like” button) Thanks!
November 9th, 2009at 11:20 am
Thanks for all the input! I think this is one of those never-ending topics of our time.
Mindy- The whole “big brother” concept is one that scares many people. Personal sites like FB can give employees the few minutes of break that they need after a long and tedious session at the computer. However, like every other personal privilege, it can be a slippery slope. Personally, I think the better the relationship between boss/worker, the less “big brother” action is necessary!
Lindsey- Thanks for the comment. Where are you originally from? 2,400 miles puts my 120 miles to shame! hahaha
Felicia- Thanks for the support! Did you petition for a “dislike” button?