Facebook: A race to "friend" as many people as possible or something much more.

With the growing addiction to computer screens and the internet, our day and age has become habituated with the use of technology to complete many social activities.  Whether it be from sharing photos, to joining groups, or even communicating with others, common tasks have been facilitated through the use of the internet.  The growth of Facebook is no surprise with our societies growing need to complete things quick and on a large scale.  

Although defined as a "social networking" site, Facebook has progressed into a much more meaningful tool, used to reveal the often obscure images of everyday people.  Ironically, it has ultimately developed into a predominate figure in the academic world.  'Facebooking' has become a daily and constant activity for nearly all college students, almost analogous to life sustaining activities for some.  Although, Facebook is primary utilized by students to keep in touch with friends or acquaintances, it has gradually progressed into a mean of venting out personal ideals.  As illustrated in the article "Facebook: A campus fad becomes a campus fact" in the Christian Science Monitor, Facebook is being used to establish "groups", a novice replacement of fliers and petitions, to advertise social and political ideals.  In addition, the ability to post documents and media has provided an effective way of backing up many of these views which may otherwise be limited to a piece of paper in fliers.  It offers a quick and easy way for many students to participate in social activities and fight for a personal cause.  

I've been a stagnant opposer of "social networking" sites, but as my cousin typed my username and stood there waiting for me to type in my password I was forever constrained to the world of Facebook.  Amazingly enough, Facebook has opened me to various views and issues, often viewed through the status's of friends or the groups or events created and joined by others.  As stated by the article "Thoughts on Facebook" enables a way to share and subsequently learn.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1213/p13s01-legn.html