May 3, 2007

MySpace and The Facebook Debate
Michelle Lund

The Internet surveys went really well, and for the most part, I feel that those filling them out were very open and honest. I just wanted to add my opinion about my initial reaction to the survey results. My question is, what is this world coming to? I don’t understand. Are we so dependent on the Internet that we can’t just merely ask someone out on a date?

We can’t even simply ask someone for his or her phone number or screen name? I mean, really, don’t you kind of feel a bit like a stalker that you find this information about someone by simply logging on to Facebook or MySpace?

Most students were torn with how they felt about finding a relationship partner on Facebook, MySpace, or any other interactive site. Some felt it was safe, and others were opposed. Students’ answers were neck and neck when asked whether they found anyone on Facebook or MySpace that they actually met up with or considered meeting up with.

I have found that there were some shocking results about other questions we asked.

Have you ever found out someone’s contact information via Facebook or Myspace? (cellular phone number, screen name, etc.)

100 percent of students polled said YES

Have you ever “checked up” on a significant other using Myspace or Facebook to see what they are up to or who has commented on their page?

88 percent of students polled said YES

This may sound a little harsh, but I am not just pointing the finger at you. I am equally at fault for choosing the Internet to do a lot of things I wouldn’t do in person. The Internet makes life just so much easier, right? It makes you be able to do whatever you please by just sitting in a comfy computer chair and making a few clicks with a mouse. Is it really that wrong? I don’t know how to answer that but I think it’s something that you should be aware of. We are forgetting how to deal with people face to face, and this is something that could hurt us in the long run.