With the tapping of fingers on smooth keys, the click of a button, millions of people all over the world share their thoughts and ideals, from whole-hearted, diary-like entries, to minute-by-minute accounts of the day’s events, and beyond. When it is so simple to communicate with millions, to make oneself known among peers, people do some silly things. And, might I add, rude ones.

Poke wars aren’t the only battles on Facebook; every day is a contest of who can get the most likes, shares or wall posts. Each is like a rose received on Valentine’s Day, a cupcake or cookie on a birthday; who is the most loved? High school students undergo colossal pressure to post a new picture, write a clever or snide status, to get this recognition, all for what they get in return – popularity. Status. A virtual throne on the social media site. And from those that haven’t succumbed to the pressure – a fierce judging of character.

Recently, the privacy of Facebook and other social media sites has been stripped away, student athletes friend requesting their coach on Facebook, college and job applicants relinquishing their username and password to a source that must be pleased. Even when Facebook reviews are voluntary, most comply to uphold a stance of reputability in the face of interviewers or coaches. Hence, the same tool used to bolster one’s pride among peers, now haunts one’s pride in the real world.

Teenagers love to show off, probably more than they like to do anything else. But whatever hits the Internet superhighway is there to stay, and no security setting can completely avert the eyes of fellow onlookers. Facebook was invented to connect people and has become an enjoyable experience for many, but with great power comes great responsibility. Despite the lingering temptations to post self-serving items on Facebook, a line must be drawn. Is flaunting a photo of you perfect body going to guarantee life’s future successes? Are 50 likes worth the impending consequences?