by Sarah Silhan

Created on: April 27, 2008

While I initially would have said that the Internet was more trouble than treasure, I believe that the inventions of such networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are helping to alter my opinion. These Web sites aren't just about finding "long lost friends." They are more about learning what's happening with those who seem to have fallen off the face of the planet. More importantly, these Web sites are a fantastic way to stay connected with people who have moved, gotten married or perhaps simply changed email addresses and never sent a notice. (Seriously, if you've ever changed your address, I'm sure SOMEONE didn't know about it.)

In the past year, I have used both MySpace and Facebook to casually chat with a number of people who were once an important part of my life. But, as is so often an effect of time, I lost touch with these people. One, a friend from summer camp years and years ago, has since moved to China to teach English. For years, as adolescents and teenagers, we sent letters back and forth from Chicago to Minnesota. Then we went on to different colleges, bought new houses. In short, we grew up. We now keep in touch via Facebook. Just an occassional hello or a message to say "happy birthday," but occassional contact nonetheless which shows we're still thinking of each other or wondering how the other one is doing.

Another friend moved after her parent's nasty divorce while we were in high school. For reasons I never knew (nor understood), we lost contact. However, through MySpace, she contacted me and mentioned her new location. We swapped email addresses and have spent the last few months catching up. I was happy to hear from her - even after years of separation.

These Web sites, when used with good intentions and an open mind, can be wonderful resources for just about anyone. It's when they are abused that the Internet gets a bad wrap. Sure, 16-year olds shouldn't be posting provocative photos of themselves. And there are those who argue that the Web is the perfect place for child molesters and criminals to stalk their prey. However, I truly believe that these wackos are the minority. For every 1 guy out there who is chasing 16-year olds, there are 99 people using Web sites like Facebook and MySpace simply to keep in touch with old friends and aquaintences from years ago and laugh as they receive a digital martini from a Facebook application.

In addition, Web sites like Facebook and MySpace offer a great opportunity for networking. Whether looking for a roommate, an apartment, a new job, a new car or perhaps just advice on where to go when visiting an unfamiliar town, these Web sites allow people to ask questions of those with personal experience. For example, on a recent trip to Miami, an aquaintance who had moved to Florida was able to recommend a number of good restaurants via Facebook. Another MySpace friend was able to tell us a few reasonably-priced tourist attractions. The advice was certainly appreciated, as it helped make our trip a fantastic one!

Whether an old high school softball team member for twenty years ago or a colleague from a previous job, the Internet gives people the ability to maintain contact with those who have gone in different directions. I believe that in an age when human contact is becoming less and less frequent, these Web sites are a healthy and welcome addition to the web world. To me, anything that helps foster relationships and build friendships across the globe should be praised, rather than shunned. In the end, the only thing that's certain is change, and the Internet allows us to successfully keep up with it.

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