In the digital age, where access to social networking sites such as Facebook is readily available, social networks are becoming more than just a way to stay in touch with friends and family.

According to a Facebook press release, more than 35 million users update their statuses each day. Facebook is also available on many mobile devices, including iPods, and the site allows users to grab for other’s attention.

The ability to update statuses wherever and whenever allows users to keep their friends in the know. However, some believe this ability crosses the line between staying in contact and narcissism.

“It’s an undeserving, self-congratulatory celebration of nothingness,” said junior Kate Noftsinger.

Noftsinger said the advent of social networking is breeding a generation of narcissists. By prompting people to create a profile, customize it, upload pictures and make it as unique as they are, social networks have, “elevated ourselves to celebrity status,” Noftsinger said.

Facebook still has to be a place for people to connect.

Senior Mallory Sanders spends about two hours a day on Facebook, and updates her status about once a week. Sanders said Facebook is another outlet of expression. By having users customize their profile by featuring certain information and pictures, they can create their own identity online. This, according to Sanders, can draw attention to the user, should they choose to fill their profile with fascinating information to draw attention to themselves.

However, just because people compulsively update their information doesn’t make them narcissists.

Mike Zickar, chair of the psychology department, said people have their own reasons for using Facebook. Zickar, whose status updates range from a couple times a day to once every three days, said status updates are merely people sharing their thoughts, trying to establish a personal connection.

Zickar said if a person was a true narcissist, than he or she would not be interested in what others had to say; they would want everyone to pay attention to them, which in turn would alienate the person causing them to become isolated.