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A spirit that is not afraid

Is Facebook fading out?

It's the subject of an Oscar-winning movie, a revolutionary social-media tool, and a force connecting people all over the world. It even has an entry in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
But is Facebook on its way out?
Emily Reed, junior in public relations, said against the crop of numerous social media, Facebook is slowly fading into the background.
"I use Twitter several times a day," Reed said. "But I don't check Facebook nearly as much."
Kelly Schmid, junior in apparel merchandising, said she disagreed. Schmid deleted her Twitter account last year, said she still finds plenty of uses for Facebook.
"I like looking at the pictures on Facebook," Schmid said. "And it's cool to be able to see what people you went to elementary school and middle school are up to. I like how Facebook can connect you to them. Twitter is just boring."
Schmid said she began using Facebook as a way to rebel against her parents.
"I was 15 and I wanted to talk to my Welsh boyfriend," Schmid said. "But I wasn't allowed to get a Facebook until I turned 16. I did it anyway. I've been using it ever since."
But, with competition such as Twitter, Tinder, Pinterest and more, Facebook may become just a face in a crowded pool of apps and websites, designed to do much of the same thing.
"I have a Facebook, but it's probably not my favorite thing for social media," said Scott Black, sophomore in business. "I have Tinder. I think it's hilarious. And I like StumbleUpon. You have to have an account there, so I think that qualifies as social media."
Black said he thinks Facebook highlights the differences between generations.
"It shows how fast we move compared to baby boomers," Black said. "At first, not a lot of older people had, or knew how to use, Facebook. Now, I think all of my relatives have (accounts)."
Schmid said she saw an increase in the number of older Facebook users.
"I feel like a lot of older people use it to talk to their kids," Schmid said. "They use it to update their lives and keep track of their friends and relatives. A lot of parents, I think, use it to check up on their kids' lives."
Reed said Twitter is an easier way to keep up with her friends.
"I check it constantly," she said. "It's faster and more personal."
Like many students, Schmid said she uses a variety of social media forms to keep up with her friends and family, not just Facebook.
"I love Instagram and Snapchat," she said. "I do check notifications and look at pictures on Facebook, but I can use those throughout the day to talk to my friends and see what's going on."
Still, Schmid is not without her pet peeves when it comes to social-media sites.
"I hate seeing people's statuses," Schmid said. "Maybe that's why I didn't like Twitter. I don't need to know every time you're going to the bathroom."


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