Facebook is making it easier for students to keep tabs on their friends in a whole new way.
Last month, a developer came out with an app called the Unfriend Finder, which notifies Facebook users when someone “unfriends” them on the site.
This month, another developer offered users the Breakup Notifier — an app that notifies users when a person of their choosing changes his or her relationship status on Facebook.
The app offers the tagline: “You like someone. They’re in a relationship. Be the first to know when they’re out of it.”
Facebook itself is also offering users a new way to interact with their friends and loved ones.
Earlier this month, Facebook added two options to the list of relationship statuses — “in a civil union” and “in a domestic partnership.”
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Kat Barry, president of LGBTQ student organization Spectrum said she’s happy Facebook is taking steps to include all people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity.
“It’s important,” she said. “Facebook has started recognizing relationships that do legally exist.”
Barry said she hopes the addition will make people more accepting.
“It shows people are becoming more comfortable with the idea of gay marriage,” she said.
Vannicea McCray, anthropology senior, said the Breakup Notifier app makes her uneasy.
“It’s definitely creepy,” she said.   Related: Press X to Not Die: Facebook apps up the ante on stalking crushes, friends
 
McCray said she’d consider using the Unfriend Finder, but she thinks Facebook has made relationships more complicated. She said she has seen friends fight with their significant others about posts and comments made on the site.
McCray said people’s obsession with frequently checking the site has changed the way they interact with one another.
“It makes me lazy because I can already see what my friends are up to and I don’t check in with them,” she said.
Ray Ducksworth, psychology sophomore, said the site makes it easier for her to keep in touch with her friends despite her hectic schedule.
“It’s just easier for me,” she said. “With school and work, it’s hard to sit down and have a phone conversation.”
Ducksworth said she thinks the Breakup Notifier app may be going too far.
“It’s OK to have a crush on someone,” Ducksworth said. “It’s OK to visit their page every once in a while. But to get updates on their relationships, that’s definitely ‘stalker-ish.'”
As for the new relationship status options Facebook offers, Ducksworth said she’s supportive of the changes.
“It definitely gives people more freedom and the opportunity to be equal,” she said.
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]