The Internet world is full of competition, and one of the fiercest competitions is between social networking sites MySpace and Facebook. While MySpace entered the market first in 2003, Facebook’s 2004 introduction added options and conflict: Is Facebook safer? Is MySpace easier to use?
While these topics are open to debate, the opinions of users can be used as a gauge of each site’s success.
With the ability to own and change personal profiles, many teens maintain a MySpace or Facebook. Both of them offer much of the same items: profiles about oneself, comments, the ability to search for friends, adding friends and chatting.
However, the accessability of the network also presents danger, as unscrupulous members use MySpace and Facebook to stalk, bully and even attack teens.
Though some people have both of them, most prefer one over the other. Dolly Mizner, ’12, prefers Facebook, and cancelled her account on MySpace.
“I prefer Facebook because there are many people from the school who have Facebook, and it seems like a very safe Web site,” Mizner said. “But I miss the opportunity on MySpace where you get to design your own profile background and while on, you could play music.”
While the majority students on campus have a Facebook account, Kelsey Morgan, ’11, prefers MySpace because of the music-playing capabilities, and dislikes Facebook’s more austere design.
“Most kids don’t have a MySpace at school, but I’m fine with it; I have lots of friends out of school,” Morgan said. “Besides, Facebook is boring and adult-like.”
Though many teens may adore going online and talking to friends, Tonia Keys-Bramlett, ’09, rarely logs into her MySpace account.
“I’m the kind of person who does not regularly update profiles,” Keys-Bramlett said. “I haven’t even bothered to get a Facebook.”
Many rumors and warnings focus around MySpace, especially about its lack of security. Still, stories of Internet bullying and teens befriending unhinged adults do not dissuade many students from using the site.
Adults often question both Facebook’s and MySpace’s security and are wary about allowing their children to access the sites.
JoDee Wheeler, mother of Kendall, ’12, says an appropriate age for either profile is 16 because of the provided dangers.
“At age 16, she’ll be more discerning, but it’s every parent’s choice,” Wheeler said. “It seems to be the things I hear ? I get nervous about the people she can talk to. But it’s a great way of getting a hold of someone.”
Kendall does not have a Facebook or MySpace because of her mother’s disapproval, but does not mind the restriction.
“I don’t want one because the name sounds stalkerish ? I mean, ‘My’ Space and ‘Face’ book,” Kendall said. “Besides I can easily e-mail people too.”
Even though people are able to make new friends online, David Martens, campus IT director, believes that online friendships are not in-depth. But he also views these Web sites as new social network tools.
“The real positive attributes are the ability to create a community online; but there aren’t really in-depth social connections,” Martens said. “Though it is slowly replacing calling and regular e-mailing, it could be a danger: the conversations will become less in-depth.”
Martens believes that teens should have an account, but says that some teens forget that anyone can see their profile.
“It’s a fun way to connect to people, but be careful of private info,” Martens said. “Facebook allows you to lock down, and so only friends can see. These Web sites are also easier to navigate, and so now there are a lot more people.”
As teens and adults continue to use these Web sites, they develop relationships and chat with
