Facebook brings community

First, with the somewhat exclusive RochesterFacebook in July, and with our more recent acceptance into the widely shared TheFacebook in August, the UR community has discovered a stalking and procrastination device.I must admit, when I discovered that RochesterFacebook was Rochester-only, I grew upset, longing for something more. A friend even called me, confused about the online world that we had both just joined. Then, we found out that Rochester was added to the real facebook, and I was curiously satisfied for the following week, until, of course, I spent too much time on the Web site and needed a break. TheFacebook gives old friends a chance to rekindle past relationships, and recent friends the satisfaction of having each other on their lists. Some people have hundreds of “friends” requesting this online friendship from anybody who they have ever exchanged a word, or even a glance with. Do they yearn for the status of having more friends than the next person, or do they simply not care if the person receiving the request is wondering why they have it? However, it hardly matters whether you use or abuse TheFacebook, as its sheer existence is satisfying enough.Bored from studying for that physics test? Why not find out if that cute boy in your English class has a girlfriend? What, he does? Damn, too bad. Look on the bright side, at least he is still looking for random play – your chances are not totally diminished. Although TheFacebook is a helpful place to check when wondering if someone you like is in a relationship, it is not a substitute for actual human contact like an online dating service. Those who often use it as such, by exclusively posting messages on a cyber “wall,” or by sending a message to a past or present “friend,” seem desperate, lonely and addicted to the Web site. Now, I have no problem with enthusiasm, but sometimes we must remember that TheFacebook is only a Web site and does not actually affirm real-life friendships, no matter how badly you wish that you actually talked to that “cool” kid from high school. Some have their doubts about TheFacebook, feeling that it is too trendy, or is solely a waste of time. For those apprehensive outsiders, I must advise you to give it a chance before you completely reject it.We must not question TheFacebook, but accept it for its ability to indirectly connect college students both within UR and throughout the nation. So waste a little time, find out if the would-be boyfriend is dating that weird girl, see who are is your classes, upload a photo and complete your profile, even if that means announcing that you are voting for W. Katz can be reached at jkatz@campustimes.org.