Facebook

Facebook.com was originally founded by Mark Zuckerberg, created initially as an exclusive network for Harvard students. The program has exponentially grown since then, becoming the world’s largest social networking site to this date. With over 400 million active users, half of which visit the site daily, Facebook is an excellent example of how technology has changed the way we go about day-to-day lives. Facebook has become one of the most popular ways of communicating, meeting, and reconnecting with friends and family in this day and age. With anyone able to create a page over the age of 13, Facebook has very few aspects restricting access to the site, allowing for a very wide variety of users.
Facebook is not only a very efficient and effect way to communicate and network socially, but it also serves as great way to pass time. Whether connecting socially, playing games, or catching up and news and events, Facebook has an endless numbers of activates and programs available to its users for entertainment.
Like all good things, Facebook has some downsides and unintended effects that come with its use. One of the more serious and often talked about issues is that of user’s security. Facebook has had several privacy scares in the past that have many of its users questioning the service and its ability to protect user’s personal information. Another hot topic in dealing with Facebook’s privacy is its compliance with its advertising company’s demands (Facebook’s main source of income). Mark Zuckerberg talked about his plans to begin sharing user’s information with outside websites making peoples private information public. Many complaints have been filed and are currently being looked into, but the company is continuing to operate as is for the time being.

Another unintended aspect of Facebook that has gotten a little out of hand is Spam. Companies have noticed the great potential to reach select target markets through this vast social network, and work to capitalize on it. My inbox on Facebook is constantly being filled with spam notices from clubs, restaurants and sporting and music events alike. Companies and businesses are also hiring people on Facebook to do the “dirty-work” for them.
Facebook is a great way to connect with friends and family, and keep yourself entertained in times of boredom, but at what level does it become too much. It several studies it has been found that on average a person spends seven hours a month on Facebook, surpassing all other sites on the internet. Facebook has become so second nature to people, that it has often times become counterproductive in regards to school and work. Some companies and business have even banned the site form the workplace, stating that it greatly reduces the productivity of employees. I personally vouch that Facebook can interfere with studies, and often times find that I need to set a personal restrictions when I have work to do.
Facebook is an amazing site, and has greatly changed the way people go about their day to day lives!










Here are a couple cool links I came across while looking for some statistics dealing with Facebook usage.
http://mashable.com/2010/02/16/facebook-nielsen-stats/

http://www.resourceshelf.com/2010/02/16/wow-january-2010-facebook-users-spent-an-average-of-seven-hours-on-site-thats-up-nearly-10/

http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics