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Let's Do Without "National Make-Out Day"

By The Hilltop editorial board

In today's highly technological world, Web sites like MySpace.com, Facebook.com, are popular tools for networking.

Sure, many students don't believe Facebook is a networking tool. Students claim to use it just to "keep in touch with friends," be it from high school or elsewhere, or to keep track of events.

According to Alexa.com, a company that rates Web sites and monitors Web traffic, Facebook.com is the seventh most-visited Web site in the United States.

Lately, Hilltoppers have seen an increase in outrageously inappropriate Facebook groups, pictures and events.

One of them was shocked when she saw the group called "If this group reaches 100,000 I'll sleep with all the members."

Names like that turn away responsible future Facebook users, people who could benefit from using the site. One Hilltopper, who is creator and administrator of 28 Facebook groups, said as long as the groups have legitimate purpose and meaning and aren't offensive and vulgar, they are fine.

Groups like, "Right? Wrong? Doesn't Matter Here! ABORTION & MARRIAGE are private," "Barack Obama for President," and "Black Women Who Have Faith in Black Men" obviously serve a genuine purpose and have a reason for existing.

When you create groups such as "We All Want to Kill George Bush" and even events such as "National Make-Out Day" and "My brother is coming April 17-20th — I want him sex'd up, hardcore," you're defeating Facebook's original purpose. Not only may some people find these groups offensive, but stating that you want to kill the president is just not smart, period.

Facebook users need to be aware of what they create and post online, and of who sees it. MySpace and Facebook accounts have been deleted for much less, not to mention the lawsuits and other federal action that can be taken against users.

In this day and age, Web site users need to think twice before voicing opinions and playing "jokes" on the Internet. There comes a point where you cross the line between being protected under the First Amendment and reaching trouble unprotected.

However users utilize the site, they should keep in mind that some people are there to network and conduct business. Not to mention that many corporations use networking sites to screen potential employees. MySpace and Facebook were created for friends and associates to keep in contact, not for people to create and post inappropriate material.

This article was written by the editorial board of the Hilltop at Howard University. Articles in the Voices section represent the views of their authors, and not necessarily those of Black College Wire. To comment, e-mail [email protected].

Posted April 12, 2007