Facebook to the danger zone

While Facebook is in fact accomplishing much in the way of increasing social contacts, it is far from the kindness machine Zuckerberg attempts to make it out to be. In fact, much can be said for its negative effects on its users. Such negativity is described briefly in the article "Brave New World of Digital Intimacy", where "Facebook drama" is described in the form of private e-mails being made personal.

It is these kinds of attacks that stand out and are published in the media. While some might say this is due to sensationalism and a desire to sell more papers, I feel that it is portrayed very accurately. All too often pictures are posted and promptly laughed at or mocked, if not publicly then at the very least in private among friends. 

And if it's not pictures that are looked at, then it is still more than possible for gossip and hurtful rumors to spread. Instant updates stream more information than is necessary to maintain social connections. At that point, it becomes more of a burden and a risk than a benefit. Because of all this, I have a hard time believing that social networking sites like Facebook or Myspace (if anyone still uses it) promotes benevolence among peers.