Facebook (Un)official

Add this to the list of ironic things shared with me over social media. Check out the link. Lance Bass is trying to remake 'NSync. This sugar-coated boy band, called "Heart2Heart," released a debut track titled "Facebook Official."

Promotional image "Heart2Heart"

After @thekelly shared this gem, I heard it referenced again on KDUK - the local Top 40 station based out of Eugene. The morning crew was waiting for the punchline. Surprise! There isn't one. This song was legitimately selling an official Facebook relationship with one of these seemingly available and Beiber-esque boys.

It's like selling your body, but instead it's real estate on your profile.

I started to think about my own relationship with Facebook. Is it healthy? Do I depend on this social media site for my "heart2hearts." Am I making and keeping personal connections only through social media?

After a recent breakup, I hid my relationship status. I waited exactly 6 days to make the breakup "Facebook Official." I had willed myself to wait a full week, but didn't quite make it. I logged on a number of times to change my relationship status to single, but it seemed too aggressive -- too final. Sending a notification to my Ex's inbox seemed a little redundant.

The reality was clear, but surreality led me to believe updating Facebook would otherwise prove my dependence on social media. I admitted my dependence when I updated my profile to reflect accurate information.

So, Facebook official? Is it appropriate to list "in a relationship with CASUAL FLING" or "it's complicated with BEST FRIEND"? Who at Stanford decided that recognizing relationships was a good idea? Are your relationships any more significant than your "friends" in terms of the network? As a social media company, Facebook gains value by recognizing your actual connections. Does Facebook gain value through recognizing your friend-with-benefits?

If not network value, what value does a relationship status have? It tells the relationship headhunters out there who's taken, single or not willing. Is Facebook actually the ultimate tool for seeking potential mates? Let's hope not, or "Facebook Official" will continue to be relevant well into the future.

As for personal connections, I like to think that I nurture those relationships in person. However, for those friends who are out of state and out of town, it's an excellent gathering place and tool for keeping track of all our busy lives. Stephanie has a new e-mail address? That's OK, I can Facebook her. Sara moved? I saw that she posted something last week. Chris got a new job? I can read about it without him having to tell each person who asks. Facebook is my address book.

Noun or verb, FB is here to stay for a while at least. This social media company has a lock on personal information, user-generated content and more. Until there's a ring on my finger, I'll probably reconsider becoming "Facebook Official" with anyone. And I will certainly beware of any man that believes becoming "Facebook Official" qualifies as a relationship. As long as it's listed on your profile, it's a part of your own personal performance for the people that are your "friends."