Can you guess what I am? I am ........

I am a social network that is becoming progressively more useful than your brain for personal information.

I am making you lazy. Instead of you having to remember birthdays, I remember for you and remind you.

I can pass on messages to other people for you instead of you having to hold a real-life conversation.

Can you guess what I am yet?

I am becoming a disastrous fault within society.

You are substituting your memory and sociability for this internet phenomenon that I am. I allow you to do things such as share photos, converse with people on opposite sides of the world and express what is "on your mind".

These three things have both positive and negative aspects.
Can you guess what I am yet?

Sharing photos with your friends via me is great! You can tag yourselves and see what other people are getting up to. At the same time people you do not know can look through your photos and get a taste of your life.

Also, if you are seeking a job and prospective employers decide to search your name on my web of information to find out some info, they can look through your photos, some of which you may not want them to see. Can you guess what I am yet?

I am a great way of connecting with friends and family, especially if they are on the other side of the world.

You can keep in perfect contact with friends and family at the click of a button. It is instant and easy. However, this makes you lazy. It makes the idea of a phone call, a letter or even an email sound like a chore. You are becoming reliant on instant messaging and "inboxing" being there for contact instead of more personal ways of being in touch. I am a universal way of communicating and sharing your life with others. Can you guess what I am yet?

You have become obsessed with me. Many are "addicted" to "liking" my groups and telling me their thoughts every second of the day. It has reached the extent that unless you are friends with someone via me then that person does not exist to you. This is a ridiculous concept, but very true. Can you guess what I am yet?

I am Facebook.

Facebook has become a technological phenomenon in today's global society. Everyone has heard of Facebook.

Most people have a Facebook account. As this social network is growing, does it mean those who don't have a Facebook account do not exist in the cyber world? Or in fact do not exist at all?

Many people may take this irrational view. However, this is obviously not the case - with or without a Facebook page we do all exist. Of course we do. Before the concept of Facebook was even around we all existed and we will continue to exist after Facebook has been and gone.

So is Facebook a good thing or a bad thing? Well, that's up to you.

Georgia-Louise Johns, Year 12, Mt Maunganui College