Presence in Absence

So why exactly was Facebook is so popular to the college demographic? Facebook is an actual social network, online, and continually connected. Even when the computer is sleeping, the social network is awake. It isn't static, and neither are college students. With all of the work and activities that college students are involved in, it is difficult to always physically be with friends. Facebook allows the college students to virtually stay connected and communicate, while not physically being in the same place (presence in absence.) As Craig Watkins states in his article The Very Well Connected, presence in absence allows people to effortlessly conduct multiple conversations with people in various locations. In a college environment where socialization is key, the ability to be "present in absence" is extremely important and beneficial.