Social networking sites like Facebook have become so popular that they have begun to mirror many other traditional aspects of society.
FACEBOOK USERS
Facebook use is mainstream. It is becoming the 'norm,' with regular users now including Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities and political figures. Even the White House has a Facebook page.
Professional athletes use Facebook to connect pages fans. Singers, artists, and musical groups have Facebook pages, using them as advertisement for their latest creative works. They even include snippets of music.
While Facebook began as a networking tool for college students, users now come from all age levels and life experiences.
FACEBOOK ADDICTION DISORDER
While the majority of the hundreds of millions of people use Facebook to enhance their lives in part-time activity, others have been lured by the round-the-clock connectivity. In some cases, they have succumbed to it. A new psychological condition has come to be known as Facebook Addiction Disorder.
The psychologically needy, whose weakness often leads to drinking, taking drugs, or joining a cult, have now turned to compulsive use of Facebook, allowing their computer connectivity to take over more and more of their lives. Like many addictions, this one may begin innocently enough.
Facebook users share thoughts, ideas, and pictures with friends and family members; to re-connect with former high school classmates, former work mates for whom they have lost touch; or as simply a way to unwind with one of the many Facebook applications that include games, puzzles, and quizzes. This extra-curricular use is generally harmless and fun.
But there are others who have allowed Facebook to replace parts of their real lives. Connectivity goes on for the better part of a day. Facebook use, which includes connecting with total strangers in some cases, replaces real friendships and healthy interactions with others.
"The Internet is unlike anything we've seen before. It's a socially connecting device that's socially isolating at the same time," said Dr. David Greenfield, founder of the Center for Internet Studies.
Facebook itself recognizes the potential for harm. Nestled among other causes, such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Hugs are Better than Drugs, and Help Stop Drunk Driving, there is a page dedicated to the cause of Facebook Addiction Disorder. It was apparently posted by the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The cause has 96,196 members on Facebook and the nonprofit has raised $86 in donations.
To determine if your Facebook usage has reached critical status, take this test: Compulsion to connect test Not only can this test be found here, but it can be found on Facebook under Causes. The best cure for Facebook Addiction Disorder is to find an activity to replace it or simply quit cold turkey.
CON ARTISTS, SEXUAL PREDATORS, AND RIP OFF SCHEMES
There is a always a potential for problems when divulging personal information on-line. Facebook is no different than any other aspect of social interaction. Society is filled with people who are unscrupulous; some are anxious to take advantage, preying upon others' vulnerabilities.
Even the enjoyable feeling derived from attention by a person of the opposite sex has the potential to get out of control. The result can be ruined marriages and destroyed lives.
Young people need to be careful when they think they are just chatting with friends. Others may be read what they write. Facebook does have privacy features. They should be used.
Too much information can lead to someone finding out where you live. Identity theft is a real possibility if too much personal information is disclosed.
COMPUTER VULNERABILITIES
Facebook applications, which generally are written by a third party, have the potential to allow trojan horses, viruses, and worms into your computer. At the very least, they allow tracking cookies so companies can learn more about your internet habits. You think you are downloading a game, but in reality you could be opening up your computer to someone who can look at bank statements, passwords, or any other sensitive information on your home computer.
Using Facebook is an enjoyable activity, but like any other aspect of living, there need to be safeguards to staying safe. If bothered by a relationship on Facebook, delete it. Use privacy settings to allow only people that you know to interact with you. Make sure your computer is adequately up-to-date with its virus protection.