Facebook

Facebook is a great social utility. Most of my friends use it frequently and I try to log on often to see my messages (sometimes school-related) and what events I've been invited to. It is also great to use for staying in contact with friends from high school. In a university environment, it allows users to access other users profiles who happen to be a part of the same network (unless the user changes his or her privacy settings). I've heard of teachers making Facebook accounts and adding their students in order to send messages, post class time changes, etc. It can be extremely useful since almost all students spend more time on Facebook than they do on their school e-mail pages. However, it can also be harmful. Students can easily become addicted to Facebook and spend hours browsing profiles and pictures. It has also been used for sexual harassment, hazing, and threats. Students should be aware of the many problems associated with Facebook and use it with caution in order to prevent addiction. I do feel that it is necessary and beneficial in a university environment. Here's a link to a good article on Facebook in college, http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1213/p13s01-legn.html.