Facebook is a social network where people catch up on the lives of family and friends. Facebook is now being used to find love and possibly a future date. Dating sure has changed from the old fashioned way of meeting someone down the street and thinking about dating them. Does anyone ask a father for permission to date his daughter anymore?
Breakup Notifier, developed by Dan Loewenherz, was shut down by Facebook recently. In its place the same developer launched Crush Notifier. You don’t have to know your “friends” on Facebook to be crushed. Once you log onto Facebook, you agree to the terms of the application. Then you choose from among your “friends’ who you want to crush. If you both crush on each other, you both get an email. I don’t know if the person’s identity is revealed when that happens, but I’m guessing so.
Even though the developer’s original idea was to ramp up dating/love connections in both of his programs, Breakup Notifier and Crush Notifier, Facebook seems to put his brainchild into the ranks of stalker software (plus they are thinking about any legal liability they may have – hence lawsuits). Mr. Loewenherz’s rebound with Crush Notifier is an attempt to bring dating to the forefront of reality to a host of innocent young adults.
Maybe Facebook does possess a certain edge for people trying to enter the dating scene. I personally know of one couple whose online connection brought love and marriage to them, but they had some years under their belt as well as “real” failed relationships to guide their decisions whether it was safe to go forward in the relationship.
Young minds on Facebook are seeking true love and may take advantage of what the Crush Notifier seems to offer. These software packages are pretty much a game at trying to find completeness by tagging someone who may or may not like you. Kids especially have no idea what they may be inviting into their lives. These software games do nothing to teach children what love really is, and can be creepy and heartbreaking.
Whether Facebook allows Breakup Notifier or Crush Notifier makes no difference to me. My knight in shining armor arrived years ago. Give me 12 red roses, a carriage ride and dinner out with a real person beside me so I can decide if I want to go forward.
If a Facebook relationship develops, here are a few common sense guidelines:
Go slow.
It would be scary to meet a stranger. If you decide to meet, make it a public place where lots of people are moving about.
Don’t even think about going to a secluded area
It’s foolish to give out your home address.
For phone contact, use a cell phone – not a home phone – it’s easy to get your address.
Never get in a car with a stranger!
Let someone know where you will be (let them follow you if need be). If the person truly cares about you, they won’t mind and you will be safe.
Resource:
Self education through online search
