Facebook: Generational Fad or Universal Phenomenon

"I believe kids can do better in school and sleep earlier if there's no Facebook!"

Facebook is known as many things: a social networking site, a virtual catch-all for every person you have ever met, or a time-wasting-brain-cell-killing technological black hole. One thing it cannot be labeled as, however, is an age specific blip in popular culture. Since its genesis in 2004, Facebook has grown from a cool website for preppy college students to a necessary aspect of life for man, woman and child. In a recent survey done at a small, private school, of the 144 people surveyed, 81% admitted to having a Facebook account, and this included middle school students through faculty.

What is the universal appeal of Facebook? In the survey, the two most popular features were the Wall, where a user can write messages to their friends, and the Photos. Informally, quite a few of those surveyed admitted that they really just used it to keep tabs on their friends. As an international community where most of the students and staff are living away from their home countries, this makes a lot of sense. Before Facebook, it was impossible to maintain friendships that spanned multiple continents. Now, at the click of a button, you can find out what your friend are thinking about, what they have done recently, and what their scores are on Pirates versus Ninjas, or one of a host of other games provided by the website.

Interestingly, while the older generations have been Facebook’s harshest critics, there are also a fair number of them jumping onto the bandwagon. They use it for many of the same reasons their younger counterparts do: to keep up with each other and enjoy the interesting features Facebook has to offer. Amusingly, even a number of senior citizens have utilized it, who enjoy reconnecting with old friends, and keeping an eye on their grandchildren, among other things. However, these adults still tend to be the most critical of Facebook. “Facebook is a huge time-waster and encourages self-absorption,” said one school parent and Facebook user. Many parents complain that their children waste time that they could be using to study or build meaningful “real” friendships. Even many students (and young teachers) admitted that Facebook allows many people to bypass personal relationships and hide behind virtual ones.

Facebook should be used responsibly. The purpose of it is to facilitate the growth of already existing relationships, not replace them with shallow, virtual substitutes. Users should also take advantage of the security options which are not available on other mediums, such as Myspace. Selectivity as to who can be your Facebook “friend” and view your personal information is advised. However, if Facebook is used with the appropriate safeguards, it can be a very helpful resource.