The Observer, September 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 2
Facebook takes stalking to an uncomfortable level
Editorial
When Facebook was first introduced to college campuses, students laughed about how it could be used as a way of stalking other classmates or even someone you haven't spoken to in 10 years. But when the online directory decided to revamp its website, the idea of stalking was no longer a joke, it was a reality.
Earlier this week, Facebook added to the profiles of each of its users a "news feed." This new feature displays "stories" which are basically records of a user's Facebook activity. For example, you can find out which of your friends are attending a certain party, their relationship statuses, what updates they made on their profiles, and too much more. Any updates or postings to a profile will automatically be added onto the news feed. In a single glance, you can monitor everything your friends and classmates have been doing over the past few days. If you are secretly delighted that this new feature has been added, then something is wrong and you need to get rid of it immediately.
Facebook used to be a fun way to keep in touch with friends, view photos online, and even find out more information about a certain crush. The website was originally a novel idea, but with this new feature, stalking has been taken to a whole new level- creepy.
While the information was always available, the news feed has made it so much easier to access. Although it is Facebook and the information users post online is available to everyone, students should at least have the option of protecting their privacy. If Facebook insists on keeping the news feed, then it should be an optional feature that allows users to abstain from it if they wish.
However, it is reassuring to know that students across the nation are aware of what is acceptable stalking and what is just plain disturbing. Already, 385,000 members have joined the official group to petition the news feed. However, depending on the volume of protests and the actual investments Facebook has made in this feature, the news feed may be here to stay.
But what has happened might be a good thing. Consider this as a wake up call to everyone using Facebook. Maybe less time should be spent looking at pictures of someone you don't know and more time actually spent with a friend...unless you're just going to run home and friend them on Facebook. Your life will probably be more meaningful if you step away from the computer and out of the dorm room.
In the real world, your 500 Facebook friends won't be there when you are in need because you probably haven't had a real conversation with half of them. Invest time in your true friends and activities instead of trying to build up your Facebook profile.
