Many users are choosing sides when it comes to two of the most popular networking Web sites today, www.Facebook.com and www.myspace.com .Both sites aim to serve the same purpose: creating communities and connecting people with common interests. Registered users on both sites can benefit socially, professionally or romantically due to the availability of information on the large population of users.
Some features common to both websites are layout options, searching, adding new friends, profiles and photo albums. While this list is not necessarily comprehensive, they are some features I believe are among the most important.When it comes to the differences in Friend Request / Confirmation: This feature is essentially the same on both sites. MySpace allows users to cancel friend requests and to view a list of pending requests. The additional features available to MySpace users give it the edge over Facebook.
With user search utilities Facebook is more organized and offers more search options, whereas the MySpace search utility is limited in its function and has search results that are disorganized.When it comes to profile layout MySpace users can customize their layout and add audio/video files, which often result in haphazard looking profiles. MySpace users often add HTML input, which is often used in very uncoordinated ways. Facebook users cannot even enter paragraph breaks in their comments.
With instant messages: MySpace is easier to navigate, read, and allows users to insert breaks in text.For biographical information MySpace has more options that allow users to include more detailed information in their profiles.When it comes to photo album Facebook is more functionality and has more features; including photo tagging, multiple album creation, and a friend’s photo album list. Facebook also has a neater appearance.
Facebook has a solid structure, a neat appearance, and a target demographic. MySpace is less stringent in all aspects of its operation, including its accessibility to people and its customization options. The increased flexibility might be thought of as a plus for MySpace since it allows autonomy among its users. However, the more exclusive structure and demographic of the Facebook actually contributes to a more stable website.
Although some users are members on both sites, many have a favorite among the two. The two sites also have their loyal members. Lisa, a Graphic Design major, belongs to MySpace and refuses to join Facebook. “I prefer MySpace to Facebook,” said Lisa. “MySpace is better. It is more advanced. You can put videos on your page and it’s more individual. Facebook is more one-dimensional.”
Facebook started off as a site limited to college students, but is recently opened to anyone. MySpace is and was always open to anyone and everyone. The level of security on Facebook is substantially higher than on MySpace. Facebook allows only those within a member’s college to freely view random profiles, but outside the campus, a user must be a confirmed friend in order to view a member’s profile. Facebook members also have the option to change their privacy settings to restrict certain people from viewing personal information that may be posted on one’s profile.
Adam, a graphic design major, said both sites have their good and bad points. “Facebook is nicer for talking to people around campus,” Adam said. “But with MySpace, there’s a bigger network of people.” According to Adam, Facebook is a community, and MySpace is a way to seek out new friends with similar interests. “It hasn’t changed the way we socialize, it’s merely given us a new way to,” he said.With the growing population on both Facebook and MySpace, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t belong to either one.
University of Bridgeport
Sunday, July 13, 2025