Life Before Facebook?

We were discussing the use of Facebook yesterday in my Multimedia Storytelling class. It's hard to remember what life was like before Facebook. How did you know if that couple from high school was still dating? Where did that quiet guy from English class go to college? Facebook has definitely changed the social aspect of both colleges and high schools alike. While the social networking site may seem a little "stalkerish" at times, (specifically the news feed that details every update that a friend makes) Facebook has many positive aspects as well. People I haven't talked to since grade school have added me as a friend on Facebook. It's interesting to see who these people have become and what they are doing with their life. After graduating from high school, Facebook really helps for friends to stay in touch as they all go their separate ways. You can also post pictures on Facebook for everyone to see. This may be a good or bad thing. Many times I have seen some people's photos that I think should stay in their own private collection. However, I have also seen pictures on Facebook of people that have studied abroad and put all their pictures on their profile. While I think some people spend a little too much time on Facebook, I think overall it is a great resource. It allows you to connect with so many different people from different points in your life in one place. I definitely think Facebook should not replace the actual social interactions between people. After all, how many of you would like it if you go to tell your friend about something that has happened and they tell you, "Yeah, I know. I already saw it on Facebook"? We have to use Facebook in the right way, not allowing it to replace social interactions with people in real life. If you are spending all your time caught up in Facebook, how are you going to have real friends to write on your wall or pictures from Friday night to add to your profile? We should use Facebook as an online social networking site and that is all. Click here to read an article on how Barack Obama has used Facebook for his presidential campaign. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article5041725.ece