October 2009 Archive

If my friend Robert was a Pokémon, he’d be a Pikachu. If he was a Sex and the City character, he’d totally be a Samantha. I also know what color Rob would be if that even makes remotely any sense. Turns out he has all the qualities of “being” green. But right now, he’s unemployed.

During these past few months, I’ve noticed Rob and most of my unemployed friends spending more and more time on Facebook. How do I know? Because my Facebook feed has been inundated with minute by minute updates on my friends’ games and quiz results.

Now for the record, there’s nothing wrong with playing a few games or answering silly quizzes on Facebook once in a while. For the most part, it’s enjoyable to do and I even find that it relieves stress on those hectic workdays. But I knew Rob was too engrossed in Facebook quizzes when I found out he would make a fine “Hitler” by participating in “What Dictator are You?”

Like some of you, I’ve bought into the idea that Facebook was more than just a site for college students to upload pictures of them hanging out and being “cool.” I believed users would use Facebook as a platform for job placement and professional networking, especially during the recession.

However, what I find is that Rob and most of my unemployed friends are using Facebook to pass the time and satiate the boredom that comes from unemployment.

So beware young recessionites! Spend most of your time on Craigslist searching for jobs and spend less time on Facebook. Instead of being a fictional character and racking up fake money, wouldn’t you rather be what you majored for and start receiving a real salary?