Walt Disney would have never imagined that his idea of a “small world” would be realized through Facebook, a social phenomenon with no geographical boundaries.
Launched in 2004 by Harvard student Michael Zuckerberg and his roommates, the online social network’s original membership was limited to Harvard students, but then expanded to other universities, high schools, and finally to everyone over the age of thirteen.
Facebook transformed into a global phenomenon. Even businesses use Facebook to maximize their advertising dollar, reaching out to millions of consumers worldwide.
In today’s world, a business in can increase sales while its employees are sleeping, as consumers on the other side of the globe work and shop during their mainstream hours.
Between photo comments, wall posts, Facebook Chat, and the ability to “like” posts, students can feel closer to their peers, even if they are not physically with them.
“If I didn’t have a Facebook I wouldn’t be as close to a lot of my friends,” junior Josh Alfonso said. “Facebook has helped me stay connected to friends that have graduated and moved away.”
However, Facebook has created some controversy. As acceptance into universities has become increasingly competitive, admissions directors have begun to search Facebook profiles in order to investigate a student’s life outside of the classroom, thus, weeding out those who demonstrate a different side to them than otherwise reflected in their academic achievements.
According to Sally Coords, Palmetto’s CAP Adviser, colleges are investigating Facebook for the safety of the students.
“This investigation is done by mostly the private colleges,” Coords said. “The search on Facebook is random; not all students are looked up, but students should clean up their page in case they are selected.”
According to the New York Times, thirty-seven percent of college admission officers who looked at applicants’ Facebook profiles stated that the profiles had a negative effect on their admissions evaluations.
“I do my best to always represent myself right,” senior Leo Chomiak said. “I also keep my Facebook on private so only those I give permission to can access my account.”
Many students just want to have fun, but anything considered “scandalous” on Facebook should be deleted, especially by college-bound seniors. Failing to keep Facebook profiles appropriate could result in deferment from a college.
“Colleges want to make sure they are selecting a safe student body,” Coords said, “not students that are heavily involved in drugs, alcohol, sex, and ideas of harmful destruction.”
