Five Facebook myths are confirmed and dispelled

From relationship status changes to embarrassing photos, Facebook never disappoints in the way of creating or feeding drama. In this ever-changing digital age, there is a new brand of online etiquette that must be applied to social networking interactions. Read on to learn the truths and falsities of Facebook myths, confirmed and dispelled.

Myth No. 1: If you have your profile information on private, your parents and future employers can't get any dirt on you.

FALSE. All the cautionary tales are true about how Facebook can defile an otherwise sterling reputation, putting users at risk in their personal and professional lives. However, before changing your default picture from you hitting the beer bong to something a little more, shall we say, acceptable, think about privacy settings on a semi-regular basis.

"My aunt found me on Facebook and saw some unflattering pictures, even though I had it on limited profile," senior Rachel Bravnell said. "She told my mom that I was going to hell, even though I lead a pretty decent, respectable life."

Photos may be easy to hide, but make sure that your friends are hidden, too.  

Myth No. 2: A couple is not official until they're "Facebook-official."

FALSE. Couples will often feel the need to showcase their undying affection for one another by donning that "In a Relationship with [insert name here]" on their profiles.

Remember in middle school when "going out" meant holding hands and kissing occasionally just to get a reaction from friends? Welcome to the digital version.

"I've known couples who were actually physical couples that didn't feel the need to show it off to everyone on Facebook," junior Matt Reinstetle said. "I think it's possible to be official and not ‘Facebook-official.'"

Indeed, there are couples that do not broadcast their affection to one another via Web 2.0.

Even if someone's profile reads "single" in big, conspicuous letters it does not always mean they are up for grabs. When in doubt about whether or not a prospective partner is available to have your name comfortably linked in his basic info box under the words "In a Relationship," try asking that cutie about their singleness to their face.

Myth No. 3: You should always seek consent from the other person before changing your relationship status.

TRUE. Even though there have been books written about the different ways people say "I love you" or "[I'm] just not that into you," do not resort to Facebook relationship extremes before consulting your partner.

"One of my friend's grandma wrote on her Facebook wall that she had a great time that weekend and couldn't wait to do it again," junior Lindsey Digiallonardo said. "Her boyfriend saw the post with no picture next to it, got mad and dumped their relationship status."

The easy way to avoid a real-life confrontation about a Facebook-related issue is to ask that person about it on the phone or in real life.

Myth No. 4: Facebook is the perfect place for making new friends.

FALSE. If you want to make friends, you would be better off looking on Craigslist. Even though it's called social networking, most Facebookers are well aware that the creeps out there who will "befriend" them without prior contact usually have an ulterior motive.

Facebook is not the place to solicit others for any reason. Never accept an unreasonable friend request, because real friends will find each other the all natural, traditional way. First impressions speak volumes louder in person. If nervous about social situations, remember there are lots of ways to overcome shyness on campus and meanwhile make friends; those mediums will result in a lot less headaches and eye strain.

Myth No. 5: Posting pictures on Facebook makes it easy for friends to view pictures for printing and personal use.

TRUE. The photo application is a privilege that has been used and abused since its addition to the Web site in 2005. A true friend will never sell out their friends with a digital camera, and it is wrong to post pictures without the consent of the photographed individual.

Digital cameras have those little screens on the back that show how a picture looks; remember to check it out before it's posted and, if there's a problem, insist that it gets deleted. If that friend tries to pull the "I-don't-delete-pictures" excuse, delete that friend.

"My friends and I were doing a ‘No-Shave November,' in which we didn't shave for a month," Reinstetle said. "I shaved everything but my moustache and texted a pic of it to my friend, who uploaded it to Facebook. It was embarrassing, and it got like 10 comments within two hours."

A good friend wouldn't post a picture of his or her friend doing something embarrassing or illegal.