Society’s switch from the “trashy” MySpace obsession to the “classy” Facebook addiction might not be such a healthy alternative. The reigning social networking site, geared for college students seeking to connect with fellow students, has become the number one source for gossip, retrieving tagged photos, liking statuses and, more recently, Facebook games.
Apparently, profile stalking isn’t enough to entertain the masses anymore. The “Applications” link features about 20 pages of games, ranging from “Action & Arcade” to the “Virtual World.” It seems as if notifications are becoming more and more only about invitations from friends to participate in games as a way to get more points. With such a variety, it’s no wonder that students across campus can’t seem to focus during class lectures and study sessions.
“Students are constantly distracted with the typical Facebook games,” said freshman Luke Hamagiwa. “You can look around a classroom and see someone farming it up (Farmville) or mastering the jewels (Bejeweled). It’s a distraction, and I can’t say that I am not playing Bejeweled Blitz as I talk to you now.”
Certain games are becoming popular trends and topics of conversation. Sophomore Sara Newberry, finds it “funny but yet very depressing and sad” that many of her ROTC peers are unfortunately succumbing to the addiction as well.
“Some say that they’re tired of seeing all the stupid advertisements and invitations for it when it’s just a waste of their time while other people are talking about it like they need to take better care of their crops and cows,” Newberry said.
The obvious current favorite of the virtual game world is none other than “FarmVille.” The most popular listed game, with over 2,455,118 fans, is also the most popular among Biola students as well. Designed as a virtual farm, the goal is to become a more advanced farmer as you plant and harvest crops, collect milk and hay from animals, expand your farm, all the while gaining more coins and interacting with neighboring farm friends as well.
“I knew it was time for me to stop playing Facebook games when I became a Farmville level 18 after 7 days,” Hamagiwa said. “Yes, I had the talent to become the next Farmville prodigy, but I decided to focus on pursuing my Business Management degree here at Biola instead.”
Hamagiwa’s competitor and friend, freshman James Petrilli, is no stranger to the advanced Farmville levels as well. An experienced and successful virtual farmer, he recently presented a demonstrative speech, “How to Succeed in Farmville” for his Public Communication class.
“Of course, I got an A on the speech. After it, people were going onto their laptops adding me as a neighbor,” Petrilli said.
Petrilli, however, is a retired farmer.
“After a great run at the farm life, I’ve decided to settle down.”
Another similarly popular game is “Tetris Friends.” This classic game has been brought back to life with brighter colors and easier keyboard controls for Facebook. Freshman Kylie Jones finds herself playing it often during classes.
“I don’t know why I like it,” she said. “It’s just so addicting and stimulates the brain!”
Similar to the classic “Tetris” game is another common favorite, “Bejeweled Blitz.” The simple task of matching pairs of jewels in different combinations within a time limit is apparently appealing to many, with 10,644,840 monthly users.
“Texas Holdem’ Poker” is just as popular on Facebook but has an even stronger following among the male population. The object of betting and placing money on the table is a virtual form of gambling that has been called to the attention of many young men at Biola.
Sophomore Vinnie Fayard is a veteran of the popular poker game but made the decision to stop playing when he started getting lazy and left his homework incomplete.
“It made me want to go and gamble for real,” Fayard said. “I was thinking about the success I had had online.”
Other popular ones include Scrabble, Word Challenge, MouseHunt and Mafia Wars, just to name a few.
While many students spend the majority of their time distracted by the simple joys of these Facebook games, many resort to spending their energies elsewhere. Junior Reyn Hiskey doesn’t find the time to play the games as often as he used to, being a Torrey student and enjoying sports on the side. If he is bored however, he does enjoy the “random quizzes” the site offers as well.
On the other hand, sophomore Logan Smith chooses to stay away from the scene completely. He “doesn’t find empowerment” in being the only one among friends that doesn’t play Facebook games. His friends don’t care that he isn’t a part of it.
“It’s a personal choice definitely,” Smith said.
Biola students are taking the Facebook world of games by storm. Regardless of the choice to adopt a lost cow, match jewels or throw down poker chips, they’re willing to set aside homework momentarily to relax for a little while, let the program buffer, and let the games begin.
