Each year Americans become increasingly more consumed with technology. From Blackberries to iPods, people feel the need to be connected around the clock. Social networking sites have only added to this infatuation, especially among college students.
Facebook and Myspace, which began in the early 2000s, attract hundreds of new members daily. What’s in their content that makes users join in the first place?
For many students, Facebook and Myspace serve as a popular new gadget that all the cool kids entertain. In addition, they provide easy access communication to long distant friends and family members.
Once people create a networking page, it seems as though they become glued to it. Sure, some individuals may use social media sites for business and networking purposes, but more often than not, students are on the computer reading comments, uploading pictures, playing games and taking quizzes. It’s a great time waster.
College students spend so much time playing Mafia Wars and taking quizzes to find what ice cream flavor best represents their personality; that they put off the important things, like studying for exams.
“I don’t need another addiction, that’s why I’m not on Twitter,” said Brent Freeland, 27, business management major.
A recent study conducted by Ohio State University found that Facebook users had lower GPAs compared to non-Facebook users. At the end of the semester, non-Facebook users ended up with GPAs of 3.5 and higher, while Facebook users scored half a point less.
The research also found that users averaged one to five hours a week studying, while non-users studied 11 to 15 hours per week.
Can students really blame themselves for studying less? Thanks to cell phones, no matter where people go, internet access is virtually everywhere.
According to facebook.com, nearly 200 different cell phone companies in 60 countries provide the Facebook application on their phones.
For some network users adding “friends” to their page is nothing more than a game to see who can rack up the most points. People will add everyone under the sun, just to watch their friends list increase.
“I have about 300 friends on my page, but only talk with two of them on a regular basis,” said Brenshea Hubbard, 19, education major.
“Adding random people lets them back door their way into your private life,” said Nick Grecko, 24, management major.
These social networking sites give way to the exercising of our first amendment rights. However, individuals sometimes post comments and opinions without thinking about the language used and the size of their audience. So what entices people to express themselves?
“People are bored and it’s a chance for the world to see what they’re doing,” said Estella Givens, 50, elementary education major.
“I still express myself, but if I have a negative thought, I rephrase it in a positive manner or say how I will overcome it.”
No matter where you fall in the social world of networking there is a place for you; a place for expression, creativity and fun.
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