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Opinion

'TMI' doesn't begin to cover it

ADIL SALEEM
Opinion Columnist 

Have you ever been walking along on campus and see someone you kind of recognize, but you don't quite remember what class you shared with them, or what chance meeting led you to them? And then you realize that you've never met this person, and this is the first time you've ever seen them. But you might know their name, or even some of their interests, as well as who some of their friends are. 

You're one of the thousands of college and high school students all around the country who are linked on Facebook, seeking to form one big social network with college students and alumni, as well as faculty. 

The only thing that creeps me out about it is some people put way too much information on their profiles. One wouldn't have to work hard to find out everything about them, while not knowing them at all personally. Some Facebookers list their phone numbers, where they live, as well as where they work. Most people also have pictures up, as well as links to their sometimes very personal blogs.

But that's what makes Facebook so addicting. I joined last year when it started, but never really cared for it until I rediscovered it this year. And valuable Internet time. You come to discover all these groups online, and you're amazed that other people like the same stuff as you. I was surprised that the hit NBC show The Office had a group, but what shocked me even more was that only nine Facebookers were members. There's something wrong there …

And then you have "Facebook" friends -- people you have never met but have messaged on Facebook. It hasn't happened to me yet, but I'm thinking it would be really awkward to meet your Facebook friend in real life. Should you say "Hi" or should you just wave or nod? Should you go up to them and poke them in person like the virtual poke that is available on Facebook? 

A fun thing to note is how many "celebrities" have decided to join up from all parts of America. There are 16 profiles under the name of Dwight Schrute, 18 for Bin Laden, while there are only 15 for deposed Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. There are even some for Borat, a character played by Ali G on the HBO series Da Ali G Show. 

Facebook isn't a bad phenomenon. By requiring school e-mail addresses as usernames, it effectively eliminates spam altogether. And it provides a way to keep in touch with people who fell off the radar a couple of years back. But as with most things on the Internet, the information you post on your profile is for all to see. 

It's true that only UH students can view another student's profile; it's still not advisable to post your address, phone number, or latest driving ticket as a picture file. If you think you're addicted, you're not alone. According to www.techcrunch.com, 85 percent of college students use Facebook, 60 percent log in daily, while 85 percent log in at least once a week, all as of last year. 

Whether you use Facebook for keeping in touch with friends and acquaintances or making new ones, chances are that you've already "Facebooked" someone today.

Send comments to dccampus@mail.uh.edu