Facebook is a web-based social network that has been available to us mere mortals since February 2004 and since then, has managed to command over 100 million users worldwide. That means that there are 100 million people around the world that are logged on to Facebook and either actively or inactively share their pictures, information, conversations, thoughts, passions, and much more.
Originally branded as "the facebook", it was created by Harvard drop-out Mark Zuckerberg who was looking to connect with his friends after he decided to abandon school. As the website grew in popularity, Mark eventually changed the name to "Facebook", a domain his company bought for $200,000.
The main attractive trait of Facebook is its ease of use. Everything is readily available and a click away, the interface is simple, the option to upload pictures is efficient and quick. As well, the way that the site allows users to check their contacts' emails either through Yahoo, AOL, MSN or Exchange facilitates finding friends.
Indeed, the website is a very useful tool to meet people, promote events, products, share cool links, display photos and even conduct surveys.
It promotes a sense of collectivity, of belonging, and allows users to stay in touch as to what their friends have been up to (traveling, going out to a party, starting relationships, ending relationships, etc.) as well as share a little of their personality online for others to browse.
However, there have been some issues over the years related to Facebook's safety in terms of private information being sold. Since Facebook has access to all of the user's information and activity, this information may be sold to potential advertisers for Facebook to generate revenues. Although this is not the case as of today, it is still a potential issue that should be considered when it comes to maintaining privacy.
It is possible to cancel a Facebook account and send an email to the administrators requesting that they erase all the information they hold of a user from their server. They are obliged to do so by law.
It is recommended that users maintain their passwords private, limit inappropriate displays on their Facebook profiles and use it as a tool for communication, positive sharing and overall entertainment with a touch of voyeurism.
For more information about Facebook go to www.facebook.com
