by Camila Negret

Created on: November 04, 2009

Myspace and even more so is Facebook, one of the latest global networks developed, allowing millions of people in every country to keep in touch with friends and instantly updated about events, invitations, and whatever you may have in mind without the need to call each one of them. Simply log onto one website and find yourself chatting live if you wish, using email applications, uploding files and pictures, sharing songs and opinions with no need to save this data in your computer! It is all part of today's virtual world, which for some may seem hectic, but for others, it just makes life so much more simple!

One of the major reasons to why people may show concerns regarding the use of a Facebook account, is to protect their privacy and safety. Indeed you should not share any personal information such as your I.D. or credit card information, home address and so on, after all, you should not be sharing this information anywhere anyhow. And even though this website has created so much debate, it actually allows to set your account to private so only your email contacts can find you on the net, so that only people that you give your email to will be able to find you! but if you prefer to be found, you may join a public network so that members of the same network can view your profile. So there are various options to how much you want to share about you and with whom.

As to the main question raised in this debate, the words "healthy" and "peaceful" make me wonder what kind of childhood friend could not be exciting to hear from? And the beauty of it all, is that you decide if you want them to be a part of your friend list, or even better, have access to your profile before you accept their invitation! And even if they were to become one of your friends on the net, you choose what each one of them can see in your profile: for example, there are "limited profile" options in the friend-list. I am sure it is a lot healthier and more peaceful to have that first encounter with your old childhood friends virtually than at a cafe or restaurant where you may feel trapped, after all, it has been 15 years or so.

Facebook is not just perfect for having a way to view someone's interests, friends, articles, opinions before you actually move onto having a face-to-face friendship if wanted; it also allows us to keep in touch when we travel, or when we are to busy to pick up the phone or meet up with our loved ones, or when we just have no idea how to get a hold of that wild friend we used to hang with in high school! This is the solution to many people who spend many hours on the computer or at their office, and are not able to adjust to others' schedule to keep in touch, but instead have an account that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, whenever it is convenient for them to socialize while still occupied.

Be smart and careful always on the internet; however, do not limit yourself from the great advantages it brings with it when it is used right, and Facebook is a smart choice to keep in touch!

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