For the past few weeks every computer in the library is full, the computer labs have been packed and others are glued to their own computers. 95% of those people are addicted to the newest craze on campus called Face Book. It is a website that is reminiscent of others such as “Xanga,” “My Space,” and “Black Planet” where people from all over put up their picture and personal information to meet new people and speak their minds. The format of Face Book is a little different than other sites because it is tailored to specific colleges, and provides outlets for people to not only meet new people at their own school but reconnect with old friends who currently attend other colleges.
The website has sections where people can invite and advertise their parties and other events, and join or start a group about any topic. There is also a feature where you can randomly “poke” someone which is mainly a way to say a quick hello. What makes this website so addictive? The answer is different for everyone. Some people like to become friends with random people. Some people like to leave messages on other peoples pages; others enjoy updating their own page daily. The main addiction that I have been told about, and have fallen victim to myself, is the groups. Anyone can create a group about anything and depending on the settings of each group; anyone can join any group they want. What makes the groups the best part of the Face Book addiction is your ability to say whatever you want, to whoever you want, whenever you want to. There are some people who are a part of groups just so they can read the comments and responses posted by others. These groups range from Dorm affiliations, hometown affiliations and even groups for people with certain obsessions, such as television shows among other things. One thing that can be said for at least 65% of the groups on Face Book is the thing that keeps everyone coming back is the DRAMA. One person always starts a discussion that leads to other discussions that either lead to some really funny posts for regular viewers to read, or some really interesting drama filled posts that has a good portion of the Face Book addicts running to find a vacant computer so they can either add to the drama or just share it with their friends.
Many students have compared their Face Book addiction to a crack addiction because they just can’t get enough of it. This website also qualifies as a hot spot because right now it’s the place to be. There is no reason to leave your room anymore other than to use the bathroom and occasionally have a meal.
If any of the following applies to you then you are addicted to Face Book:
* You have missed class to stay on Face Book
* You have left class early to log on to Face Book
* You have homework to do but you spend hours on Face Book
* The only time you see your friends is on the Face Book Website
* You are a part of more than three groups
* You are the administrator of more than three groups
* You update your page more than once a day
The first step to solving any addiction is to admit that you have a problem, so here it is:
“Hi, my name is Simone Waugh and I’m addicted to Face Book.