| Saturday, June 17
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Facebook offers students online community |
In the midst of an online phenomenon sweeping college campuses across the country, Purdue's incoming freshmen have an important decision to make.
Whether or not to join Facebook.
Pablo Malavenda, associate dean of students and Facebook presenter, said over 40,000 people in the Purdue community have Facebook profiles, and the University is in the top 10 nationwide in terms of membership.
Facebook, an online social network for college and high school students, was created by a Harvard student in February of 2004.
"Last summer was a big boom with Facebook because of the freshman class, and it's not going to be different with this incoming class," Malavenda said. "Most incoming students will have their purdue.edu account before Day on Campus and can join then."
Malavenda said that although Facebook is an Internet tool which can be beneficial if used correctly, students need to be careful about the image they are putting out on the web.
"It's very much like designing a poster that has every detail of your life on it and then posting it in the middle of the Memorial Mall for the public and everyone to see it, then being surprised that people are stopping to read it," he said.
Because of this possibility, Malavenda recommends students take advantage of the privacy settings Facebook offers.
"You don't need to have photos and you don't need to have a wall; students use that as a way to joke around and have inside jokes with friends, sometimes including inappropriate things," he said. "A stranger wandering into the site won't understand and that reflects on you."
Another thing students should be aware of is that future employers and police officers are routinely checking Facebook.
"Employers are viewing Facebook quite regularly now to get another glimpse into your background," Malavenda said. "Students should begin to be concerned about their own personal image and their reputation as soon as they get to Purdue."
Due to the popularity of Facebook, information on the network will be discussed during this year's freshman orientation, Boiler Gold Rush.
Shawna Lusk, senior associate director of student access, transition and success programs, said although she is unsure of how Facebook will be incorporated into BGR, it will be touched on.
"We want to make students aware of the positives and negatives associated with using Facebook and mySpace; we think it's something that permeates the student culture," she said.
By Sarah Michalos |
posted by ^%&^
@ 9:20 AM
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