Facebook - NC State University

What Is Facebook?

Facebook (sometimes referred to Facebook.com or thefacebook) is one example of a "online social networking" website. Other examples include MySpace and Friendster. According to the Facebook website:

"Facebook is a social utility that helps people better understand the world around them. Facebook develops technologies that facilitate the spread of information through social networks allowing people to share information online the same way they do in the real world."

When joining Facebook, MySpace or Friendster, users create a profile with information about themselves, and a username and password for logging into the site. From there, users can post photographs, add others to their "Friends" list, create and join groups, send messages, and engage in many other activities as they network with others.

Here are some of the online social networks currently available. Facebook is the one that is seemingly most often discussed in higher education, and was initially created with the college student population in mind. Other networks are geared towards other populations. Explore them to learn more.