Facebook is the best website of 2008 because it became more than a social networking tool for college students. It broke from that image to become a tool where individuals from all walks of life could express their personal views about social and political issues. It also became another networking tool for individuals to search for potential employers and employees and for groups of people who share the same interests to connect.
When I first discovered Facebook as an undergraduate, I was not all that impressed by it. I set up a basic account and completed a basic profile, but I thought it was pointless because I saw everyone I needed to talk to practically every day. However, when one of my journalism professors opened an account and admonished that we do likewise, I took more of an interest in it. In 2005, he predicted that Facebook and other networking sites of this nature would be a turning point in worldwide communication. I scoffed at his claim, but he was right.
In 2008, there was still a lot of content that people would not want their parents to see, but there was a shift in the type of information people sent to their friends. Individuals stopped sending silly notes or wall messages. Instead, they sent news feeds or information about social causes that they were passionate about. People were having spirited debates about current events, both nationally and internationally.
On Facebook, thousands of groups supporting the different presidential candidates were set up, including official pages for each. After major developments during campaign season, individual posted comments and had online debates with friends and acquaintances. Of course, like any volatile issue, sometimes these online debates got personal. Still, you get the sense that Facebook grew up in 2008.
Another thing I noticed was that many sites that I write for and do business with, including Helium, now had links to Facebook. At first, I was a little shocked, but it seems logical when you think of the potential new writers and clients that come from the primary demographic of this site.
Because the business world is now using Facebook, this past year, young people were cautioned about the content of their pages and how that content could affect future employment. We can only expect this website to continue growing and evolving as time goes on.
However, like any website, Facebook had its share of problems this last year. Because it is now open to practically anyone in the world, we are now more vulnerable than ever. Hackers have found ways to get into others accounts and retrieve sensitive information. Cyber stalking has increased on Facebook and other networking sites and will probably continue. However, overall, when used properly, it can be used as a positive in the lives of most people.