This is a time when human communication will be forgotten, minds will become warped, and all social skills will forever be lost due to the sixth largest population in the world: Facebook. What draws people in so much to the online social networking website that turns all of us into zombies? “Well it’s a good way to keep up with your friends, and also a good way to keep people up to date with what’s going on. And it can also keep you in touch with friends that you don’t get to see often,” said a freshman here at Freedom. Aren’t there other ways of communicating? Can’t you pick up a phone and call that long-lost buddy? Phone calls are a lot more personable, and they’re faster than sending a message and waiting three days to get one back. Don’t get me wrong; I used to have a Facebook, too. The main reason I got rid of it was because any time I needed to use the computer for some kind of homework, Facebook would be up, and no homework would ever be done. I’m sure I’m not the only one who had that problem: “I had to push myself to not get on Facebook; it’s like distracting,” said a Senior. Maybe we love it because of the fact that everyone has one, and it’s all that is ever being talked about. Or maybe we like it so much because we can post anything we want to, regardless of the drama it can cause. Perhaps we love reading all of the funny statuses or checking out the hilarious groups that we can join. I’m sure of one thing: life is a lot simpler without it. Trust me, it’s not worth it just to see that someone is “eating a banana” or “thinking about bicycles,” or to revel in the excitement of having more friends online than you do in real life. “It kind of gets addictive and you feel like you have to go on every day, every hour, and it can get very time-consuming,” said a freshman. Privacy was also a big issue that I felt I was facing. There is even a term used; “creeping.” You can see what other people are doing at anytime and pictures of almost anyone are always available. Doesn’t it bother you that someone can read your “Wall-to-Walls” and read everything you are saying to someone else? Privacy is a human right and that right is being violated when you sign up for Facebook. Not too long ago, a freshman realized Facebook was giving away her address and how to get to her house with turn by turn directions, and it was open to everyone. “Oh my God, it was so scary that anyone could have known where I live; I think its a little ridiculous,” she said. It is a difficult decision to delete your Facebook… I’m not saying you should, maybe just slow down on it, and talk to people over the phone or in person once in a while. I know everyone uses Facebook, and I’m a minority here, but think about it. Go outside and do something productive or fun, hang out with your friends, or even get a job instead of logging onto Facebook.