Facebook not the way to go

By John O'Riordan
Collegian Editor
April 25, 2007

In light of the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech, I have noticed a trend that has manifested on the Internet. Now, I enjoy my Facebook account just as much as the next college student. On a daily basis, I check it as much as I check my e-mail, which is far too often. A rant about how people use Facebook too much would be hypocritical. However, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a problem with one of its most recent trends.

Apparently, America’s college community has decided that in order to show support to the 30-plus who died in the Virginia Tech shooting, that they had to join a Facebook group letting everyone know that they supported them. This bothers me. Call me crazy, but I’d like to think there are several hundred better ways to show your support than by joining an online group.

It may be me, but seeing a group entitled “Praying for VT” nestled next to a group called “It’s 5:30 and I’m ready to Get My Drank On!” basically negates any significance of the first. Peoples lives have been ruined by the tragedy, and proper respect should be shown. I simply feel that a Facebook group is not the way to go.

Don’t get me wrong, I, like the rest of our nation, am appalled by what transpired a little over a week ago. However, I don’t need my news feed and group’s section to tell you that. Rather than announcing my prayers to the world on Facebook, I suggest the college community reach out to our Virginia Tech brethren using more tangible means. Why not write a letter to a Virginia Tech student, professor or staff member? Maybe send a care package to a family who lost a loved one in the tragedy? You could even personally visit Virginia Tech and introduce yourself to people on campus, just to get to know them and see how they are coping.

I understand that the epidemic of Facebook groups about the tragedy can hardly be considered a problem. Though I find them to be annoying, it would be ridiculous for me to claim that they are hurting anyone. However, I do believe our time and our concern can be shown in a more productive and meaningful manner. So if you feel strongly about the issue, do something about it. If you have a friend who attends Virginia Tech, make sure you pay them a visit, either at school or at home. Everyone at that school was affected by the tragedy, and everyone can use some help healing. We all have the ability to contribute to the healing process, it’s simply up to us to decide how we will do so. As for me, I have some friends to visit.

oriordanj1@lasalle.edu