For my fellow JBSG Facebook friends.....a Letter to the Editor of my local newspaper

[Debi]

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/01/28/opinions/letters_to_editor/10966132.txt

'Facebook-creeping' robs us

BRITTANY BRANNON

CEDAR FALLS --- As I move through college life in this digital era, I am constantly plagued by the ever-looming dangers of digital communication. I sit in class, my phone vibrates. "Ohh, a text message!" I miss the important information my teacher is teaching only to be inquired by my friend about "Wat up?"

It's worse outside the classroom. I sit in my dorm and proceed to check my e-mail. Hotmail informs me of "18 new messages," 10 of them being from Facebook, informing me of new pictures that I was tagged in. Naturally, I follow the link to Facebook, look at the pictures, end up looking at other people's pictures, check everyone else's status updates, observe the "wall-to-wall" interaction of a few friends, and even engage in the activity of "Facebook-creeping."

What is wrong with this picture? While text messaging in class may distract me for a few seconds and allow for multitasking, Facebook gives no such grace to those who engage in it. Innocent students who open their computers to check their e-mail or do homework are sucked into Facebook and distracted for hours upon end. What gets worse is when students spend not only the time that was supposed to be granted to homework on Facebook, but when they spend every wrenching moment of the day that is not filled by scholarliness with Facebook-creeping. Whatever happened to reading a book or the paper in one's spare time?

We wonder why our generation is becoming dumber by the year.

+++++++++++++++++++++

:rofl:

[livvy]

1. Rut-ro...

I wonder why she forgot to mention the bowling?

[jillan]

2. I haven't even dared to try bowling.

I don't know if I need another computer addiction.

[PatSeg]

3. Same here

I'm having problems dealing with my Wordpath addiction. Fortunately I have more time to waste than the college student.

[jillan]

5. I haven't gone there yet either.

I really am trying to spend less time on the computer.
Facebook, Skype, DU.... it's hard to stay away.

[PatSeg]

7. Time goes by so fast

when you're on the computer, but it is hard to stay off.

[livvy]

4. It is very addicting.

I'm sitting at lunch today, and I suddenly started thinking about it. My district has Facebook and sites like it blocked, and I was sitting there thinking about how unfair it was that I couldn't play it at work. "Sorry, kids, I can't help you with your math right now. I'm only a spare away from beating my top score." Good grief...how the mind can get a little screwy when allowed to meander. lol
Yeah, it's a little addicting, but it is fun.

[jillan]

6. I saw all your updates -

:P

You do have it bad...

[Eurobabe]

9. ahhh bowling, yes that is SUPER-addictive

almost like Wii, but less movement.

[Debi]

10. The bowling is KILLER!

:scared:

It could end my career!

[Eurobabe]

8. I'm not surprised

my email account is FILLED with FACEBOOK entries, it is distracting, admittedly.

[Debi]

11. You know you can stop getting the emails from Facebook

just change the setting on your profile page.

(Won't stop you from going 'over there' but at least your inbox won't be so full).

[Eurobabe]

12. I just did that...

thanks! I swear every other message was from Facebook. LOL.

But about that bowling game.... :rofl:

[Debi]

14. I've got your challenge and both of Matt's to deal with

but I'm @ the office & there is only so much Mr. Debi will tolerate.....tonight however!!!

IT'S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!!!!

[Eurobabe]

15. you kicked my ass, solidly

I still can't figure out how to hook the ball without making it go right into the gutter. :banghead:

[AspenRose]

13. Sounds like the youngster has no impulse control...

...unlike we more mature types :rofl: