Let’s be open and honest here – we’ve all done our share of Facebook stalking.

Now, when I say “Facebook stalking” I don’t mean cyberstalking, that’s crime and a felony. I am what I like to refer to as a “chronic Facebook follower.” I’m just a busybody that likes to know what everyone is doing. I follow the majority of the people I meet indiscriminately and at random. Those who hold my attention or seem to have common interests with me may find that they are subject to a more intensive following. No worries though, it’s probably not you.

There is a certain exciting spark that comes with learning too much about someone you didn’t previously know. My logic here is, if you accept my friend request, or better, add me as a friend, everything you have posted on your page becomes readily accessible or requires minimal work is fair game.

Minimal work being, of course, viewing my own comments on MySpace and then substituting your friend ID with mine to view your hidden comments. Seriously, you had to know how to do that. If you didn’t, I still don’t feel bad because if you want to have a private conversation, don’t post it online.

“But, Morgan,” you may ask, “what separates you from criminal stalkers and certified crazies?” My answer is simple and obvious – I’m comfortable at home with my laptop and not standing outside your house, looking into your bedroom window. Duh.

But seriously, there is a fine line to walk when social networking. Basically, it all boils down to intention. Don’t be creepy or malicious, social networking is for making friends not finding someone who leaves their hairbrush unattended so you can make a hair doll.

I’ll admit, I’ve made such amateur mistakes as updating my status with the name of a person I was attempting to search or add as a friend. Curse you, Facebook mobile and your ambiguous three letter commands. What it really comes down to is why you’re following them.

A few rules to live by, never comment on things you find that don’t show up in your news feed. Don’t bring up anything you find online during in-person conversations and never ask why they removed any piece of information from their profile. If you know what’s missing, you’re officially creepy.

In the end, I can’t say I’ll change my ways anytime soon. My awesome follower powers have been used almost exclusively for good, not evil, and they helped me find my awesome boyfriend, which is quite a feat. I don’t recommend adopting the follower ways if you are not already practicing, but I am willing to give tutorials to any aspiring busybodies.