Editorial
Networking sites flag warning signs
April 3, 2008
Facebook, a wide spread trend around the world, has its uses, but students need to be sure to use it in the right way.
Students need to make an effort to portray themselves in a proper way when using the popular social networking site. Do not use this site as a way to misrepresent yourself.
One of the countless features Facebook offers is that of updating your status. The status is a way of telling people right of the bat what you are feeling or what you are doing.
For example: Suzy is working out and then going to class or Joe is excited for the warm weather to finally arrive.
But sometimes students take the status feature too far. Sometimes students have statuses that are somewhat depressing, and in most circumstances they are overlooked by friends and family on their friends list.
Even though it may seem silly to worry over something as seemingly simple as a Facebook status, it’s not.
It’s possible that people don’t stress out as much about a depressing Facebook status is because it’s not actual face-to-face interaction. There is an emotional disconnect when conversing with someone online.
Students know that almost everyone uses Facebook these days and we should be able to use it to help catch warning signs for problems. It should be an attention getter to the reader. If people really don’t want to talk about something, odds are they’re not going to post it on Facebook.
If someone you know or love has depressing statuses for extended periods of time, do not ignore it. Although it may just be an attempt for a person to get attention, it could also be a cry for help.
That is one of the problems with Facebook. How can you tell when people actually need help or if they’re just having a bad day? What shows a difference between having a rough time because you fail a test or having a rough time because you’re depressed about more serious matters in your life?
Post your profile in a way that really represents who you are. Do not give people any room to doubt you or your character.
If someone you know is worrying you, talk to them. Do not think it’s not a big deal or put off asking until tomorrow. Ask if they’re OK right away. Lend a helping hand, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
It’s important to help your friends before they do something they can’t take back.