Facebook Stats:

Over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks.

More than 65 billion page views per month

More than 14 million photos uploaded daily

More than 6 million active user groups on the site

More than 95 percent of Facebook members have used at least one application

Communication has changed in the last decade whether it may be through text messaging, Myspace, or Facebook.

College students account for more than half of Facebook users in the world.

Facebook currently has had over 70 million users sign up since it was founded in February 2004.

Facebook is a social media site, located in Palo Alto, California, that helps people all over the world communicate more efficiently with family, friends, and coworkers. With all the users, it makes it the second most-trafficked social media site in the world.

In December 2004, Facebook reached nearly 1 million active members. Exactly one year later, Facebook had more than 5.5 million active members.

Chuck Schafer, senior corporate communications major, signed up for Facebook in the spring of 2005.

“I go on every time I sit at a computer,” Schafer said. “Before I had Facebook I used to use AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and my cell phone more often.”

Kathy Blank, sociology professor, is afraid Facebook is changing communication between people.

“In short form, Facebook scares me from the standpoint of the way communication has changed, and just the sheer speed we conduct our conversations, how anonymous it is, no need for face to face,” Blank said.

Blank tells her classes how much she values looking into their eyes when they talk.

This way of communication is a measure of non-verbal communicative methodology that requires body language and eye contact.

She does not get that from electronic methods, Blank said.

“People who would never have considered the value of cell communication or e-mail now do so with impunity,” Blank said.

Blank said she does not want to give up any electronic methods of communication; however she does weigh in on losing others.

Every time Kayleigh Hawrysio, sophomore education major, goes to the library she sees people on the computers with Facebook up on the screen or the tab on the bottom.

“It’s what people do and it is easy to get a hold of someone through it,” Hawrysio said. “I’d rather Facebook someone for meetings and questions because I know they are bound to get it before they check their e-mail or voicemail.”

Facebook is a way to get connected. According to Monster Jobs, utilizing social networks such as Myspace, Friendster, and Tickle can help out one’s career. Being a part of social networks like those and Facebook helps make connection for school, business, and personal interests.

Bryan Murley, journalism professor, has a Facebook account he created when it was only allowed for high school and college students.

“I basically use it to keep in touch with former students, colleagues, and for e-mail messages,” Murley said. “I would recommend this to other professors because you can create class groups and events for students.”

Murley has several friends who are currently journalism students, but he never asks people to be his friend. He checks it at least once a week or when people tell him they sent him a friend request or a message.

“I have found e-mail is not as effective as it use to be,” Murley said. “Students are likely to check their Facebook accounts regularly.”

Recently, a newspaper staff member and student from Wichita State University found Murley on Facebook to ask him a question on the First Amendment usage.

“There may be privacy concerns, but from communication perspective, it’s good,” Murley said.

Some people are concerned with schools checking their personal profiles. However, there are ways to prevent your name being searched.

Facebook offers privacy options on their site.

Eastern administration does not look at pages.

According to Brenda Major, dean of Admissions, Eastern’s Admissions Office does not check to see if applicants for incoming students have Facebook accounts.

“We receive nearly 10,000 applications for the fall term, so we’d need staff people dedicated to Facebook review alone,” said Major. “While we conduct a holistic applicant review, I don’t envision adding Facebook to the selection criteria.”

Jerry Ingram, freshmen history major, checks his Facebook about four times a day. On average, people spend 25 minutes on the site daily.

“It’s an easy way to keep contact with a lot of friends I don’t get to see much,” Ingram said.

Brittni Garcia can be reached at 581-7942 or at bmgarcia@eiu.edu.