Facebook and MySpace

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have been on the rise in recent years. Both are outlets for the young and old alike to connect with friends and family as well as with new people based on common interests. While Facebook and Myspace are similar both sites attract different users for different reasons.

Myspace launched in August 2003, after the success of Friendster, as a file storage site. In 2004 the site changed to become a social networking site. Myspace operates not by a fee charged to its users but by revenues generated from advertising. Once a member of Myspace the user is able customize their space based on features such as: moods, blogs, comments, profile customization, music, etc. For more information and history of Myspace please visit Myspace at Wikipedia.

Facebook launched in February 2004 as a social networking site. The name, Facebook, comes from the paper facebook, often given to new students and teachers, which included photos of current faces around campus. The Facebook site, however, takes this idea a step further by allowing students to join networks based on schools as well as workplace or even city in order to connect with others. Initially, Facebook was only available to students at Harvard. Mempership was eventually opened to include all ivy league colleges, then all colleges, to high schools, and finally to anyone with a valid e-mail address. Facebook offers similar features to Myspace where the user is able to customize a profile, share moods, post photos and videos, and comment on friends pages. For more information and history of Facebook please visit Facebook at Wikipedia.

Can Facebook and Myspace be used in education? After discussing this question with a few fellow teachers I have come to the conclusion that neither site has any direct educational value. This is not to say that both Facebook and Myspace cannot be brought into classroom in other ways. CyberEthics, cybersafety, and cybersecurity are hot topics that should be discussed with all students just as we discuss what to do if a stranger approaches you at the bus stop. Students need to learn how to stay safe online at the same time learn how to be a good digital citizen.