“We’ve been researching Facebook since 2005, collecting data, running surveys and doing interviews with students,” said Cliff Lampe, a telecommunication, information studies and media assistant professor.

They found that Facebook allows a larger network of weaker relationships with those who are not immediate family and friends.

“Those with Facebook benefit from these more distant relationships,” he said. “The more you have, the more you can get out of networking in general.”

But Jones said she doesn’t think Facebook is the answer to networking.

“I don’t think I’m missing out on anything without Facebook connections,” she said. “Posting résumés on Web sites is better for getting someone’s information out there for employers.”

English junior Megan Walters said having an account can’t hurt.

“I can definitely see myself, if I’m still using Facebook, going back to anyone I’ve come into contact with to get help with a recommendation or something,” Walters said.

The study states Facebook users are more likely to be truthful about themselves.

“I’ve had someone describe MySpace as a place to create your fantasy self,” said Charles Steinfield, a telecommunication, information studies and media professor and chairman of the department.

“You can’t lie too much on Facebook because you’ll be called out on it.”

Steinfield said Facebook is not as useful for close relationships besides for photo sharing and wall posting.

But some students would disagree, saying it is a large part of daily interaction.

“I am hooked,” psychology junior Emily Matthews said. “It’s a part of my communication and social life. I may not want to text or call, (so I will) just get on Facebook and send a message.”

Recent studies done by the research team show that those who use Facebook gain positive self esteem.

Steinfield said those with low self esteem are less likely to make friends. But if they use Facebook intensely, it reduces the barrier they would face in building a larger social network.

Matthews said she doesn’t think she has low self esteem but uses Facebook to express some of her affections.

“It helps people who are shy communicate,” Matthews said. “It’s convenient, and it’s a stress relief for me.”