EVER since their creation, social networking sites have greatly influenced people, making waves especially with the youth.

And as of these past few months, Facebook has turned into a household name and a favorite of all. Young and old, especially teens, turned "gaga" over earning points in Facebook. Many students would never forget checking and updating their "account" more than they would for their assignments or lessons in school.

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Now the big question is: Does Facebook brings us benefits aside from arousing a smile or two?

Yes, there are better things one can do besides turning on their computers, logging in to Facebook and play "Pet Society" or whatsoever. But can one really stop himself from enjoying the bliss virtual reality brings? Based on personal experience, testimonies and observations, Facebook is quite addicting. Once you start, you just can't stop.

But the young who are inevitably hooked up on this site should still keep their priorities in mind and set their goals straight. Right now, the main concern of students should be none other than their studies. Their priority should be to finish education and be ready to face a more challenging life and be globally competitive. Our world today sets a tough competition; and in a world where crisis can creep in anytime, one should be educationally and technically ready.

Certainly, Facebook can make one happy for a little while; but a proper education can make one happy for a lifetime. The youth should give more importance to getting high grades than earning more cash in Farm Ville. One should remember that when Facebook has faded away and a new internet hit emerges, knowledge would still be as crucial as ever; good schooling would still spell out a good future.

Yes, they say, "all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy", in our case, Juan Dela Cruz. In spite of numerous projects and hectic schedules, we should still find time to enjoy and relax. That's where Facebook comes in.

Too much of anything is bad, so we still have to limit our Facebooking to maybe a few hours a week. It's good on a Friday afternoon; an hour or two on a Saturday or when everything that we should do is done. Still, let's put our education on top of our to-do lists. We can still enjoy the wonders this cyber blockbuster has in store provided we do it in moderation.

We should face the fact that Facebook is just another trend; many other computer games and stuff will come and go. But the knowledge and skills we get from our education would never run out. So, instead of Facebook, why not "Face the Book" and continue earning points for a better future.

Virgilio S. Valdez
Becuran High School