In this day and age it’s easier for students to stay in touch with friends, but new and improved resources like www.Facebook.com can sometimes make life more complicated.

In a forum organized by the Dean of Students Office, students debated the benefits, risks and complications of using Web sites such as Facebook and www.MySpace.com.

“”We want students to tell us what they’re using it for,”” said Broussard, program coordinator for judicial affairs. “”It would be faulty of us to continue to ignore it.””

Brandi Lea Milloy, a senior majoring in English, said she thought Facebook was similar to a dating Web site, but she later viewed it as a communication tool.

Milloy said if she misses a class she can ask a friend to “”facebook”” her the notes.

But it isn’t always a reliable way to get notes, said Thu Huynh, a molecular and cellular biology junior.

Huynh said she never received a reply after asking someone from her class for notes over Facebook.

Aasim Saied, a psychology junior, said students shouldn’t rely on the information people put on their profiles because many students never update the information they post.

Broussard asked students how they decided to “”filter”” the information they display about themselves on their profile pages.

Chandra Jennings, a pre-health senior, said she didn’t feel comfortable putting her phone number on her profile like some of her friends.

Other students at the discussion agreed that putting personal information on their profiles, like phone numbers and home addresses, could be dangerous.

Some students said one of the negative aspects of the Web sites is having another place to check messages, but they liked the way the blogging features on some sites could be used to limit unwanted e-mails from friends.

Facebook can also be a tool for student clubs, said Megan McDowell, an education junior.

She said one of her clubs purchased an advertisement on Facebook to promote an event, but they found that they got a better response from students when they created an event page and invited participants on Facebook instead.

Huynh said she probably would not be dating her boyfriend if she hadn’t had a profile on Facebook. Her boyfriend sent her a message after they met at a party.

Although they said it’s superficial, students said Facebook profiles are a way to learn more about their peers.

“”Like Carfax for potential mates,”” Miller said.

Although the Web sites have useful purposes, many students said they were concerned it is another form of distraction, and can take the place of more personal communication.

“”I’d rather not have a conversation with someone than an impersonal one,”” said Steve Jaret, a geosciences freshman.

Barker said he views the Web sites as an impersonal way to communicate that can lead to more personal communication.

Broussard told students the discussion was a chance for the Dean of Students Office to learn how students are using the technologies of online sites.

The information shared by the students in the discussion will be used for a presentation in Washington D.C. at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Broussard said the Dean of Students Office will hold a panel discussion about Web sites like Facebook to educate faculty, students and the community Feb. 15 in Gallagher Theater.