Author: Sloane Montgomery

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News

Space Concordia returns to the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge

Concordia’s victorious astronautical association, Space Concordia, returned to defend the title they won last year as the second biennial Canadian Satellite Design Challenge kicked off on Sept. 23.

The new team came ready for the intense competition brought by universities from all across Canada. Student representatives from all over the country came to the Montreal-based satellite communications company, MDA, to kick off the this year’s competition; with their first assigned task of assembling a small solar panel in their top-of-the-line spacecraft facilities. Concordia’s win last year is causing other universities to feel intimidated, raising the already fierce competition. “I could feel the heat coming from other students and the tension building up while we toured the facility. They know what we are capable of, and they can tell that its not going to be easy to shake us off, thus they kept on trying to demotivate us by commenting on our work and searching for mistakes in our boards while hammering us with questions regarding our designs of the satellite,” said Rami Kandela, a Concordia student participating in the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge.

To prepare, students were given an introduction to spacecraft assembly in addition to guidance and information on integration practices from industry professionals. “Even though it was just 2 days, being around a set of highly skilled and experienced engineers was absolutely amazing. They have so much knowledge with the spacecraft industry and they could answer any question we threw at them regarding design challenges we are facing. We got to learn a lot of technical skills and develop an even stronger interest in the space industry,” said Kandela.

 The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge is a nationwide Canadian competition for teams of university students interested in designing and building an operational satellite. The small satellites are called “triple-cubesat” or “3U-cubesat”, weighing no more than 4 kilograms and measuring 34 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm.  Every group’s satellite will undergo a full launch, but only the winning group’s satellite will launch into orbit with the intention of conducting real scientific research.

The program also focuses on enhancing space-related knowledge throughout Canadian universities, and gives students the opportunity to have more access to the space research and development industry and a chance to be exposed to the management processes of large-scale engineering projects.

 The Canadian Satellite Design Challenge also requires participants to take part in an educational outreach program where teams give presentations with the aim of raising awareness amongst the general public and inspiring younger students with the possibilities of a career in the fields of science and engineering.

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News

Paula Wood-Adams appointed Dean of Graduate Studies

Wood-Adams’ strong academic background includes a PhD and Masters in chemical engineering from McGill University and a Bachelors of Science in the same field from the University of Alberta. Photo provided by Concordia University.

On Sept. 20 Concordia’s Board of Governors finalized and approved the appointment of Paula Wood-Adams as the new Dean of Graduate Studies.

Wood-Adams started her career at Concordia in 2001 as an assistant professor in mechanical engineering. Her strong academic background includes a PhD and Masters in chemical engineering from McGill University and a Bachelors of Science in the same field from the University of Alberta.

“Paula’s experience and commitment will serve Concordia well in our efforts to foster an environment that promotes research, scholarship and creative work for our graduate students,” said Concordia President Alan Shepard.

Wood-Adams became the program director of mechanical and industrial engineering in 2006 and held this position until 2012. In 2006 she was also appointed Concordia University’s research chair and had the experience to travel to Bangkok, Thailand as a visiting professor.

In 2010 Wood-Adams became the associate dean of graduate studies until July of 2012 when she began her service as the interim dean. Her interim duties ended this September, after over a year of service when she was officially appointed to be the new dean. Her term is intended to last until September of 2018.

In addition to her strong academic background, Wood-Adams has been a fundamental member of Concordia throughout her 12 years at the university. She has been an active member of funding agencies and many committees including, the National Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Fonds de Research du Quebec (FRSQ).  She has also contributed numerous articles to scientific journals focusing on polymer science and rheology, and has received over $2.5 million dollars in both shared and individual grants from federal and provincial and some private funding agencies to advance her research. She is also a strong leader, supervising over 25 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and continuing to lead more students everyday.

“This is a critical juncture for graduate studies at Concordia as we seek to raise the profile of our programs and expand our research output and impact […] Paula is passionate about graduate education and, equally important, is well-versed in the global trends in this key area of higher education,” said Graham Carr, vice-president of research and graduate studies. “Successful universities will be those that find exciting new ways to train students both within individual disciplines, across disciplines, and through ambitious professional skills development programs, of which GradProSkills is a stellar example.”

As an administrator Paula Wood-Adams has provided strategic and operational direction to various functions of the graduate studies program, focusing her attention mainly on new curriculum and program support and recruiting new, promising graduate students. Wood-Adams has also been a working member of the group that developed Concordia’s academic plan. The current plan puts strong emphasis on the advancement of research and graduate studies.

Concordia University’s School of Graduate Studies is responsible for academic and administrative functions related to all graduate programs, graduate students and postdoctoral students. The school evaluates and oversees over 100 graduate programs leading to doctoral and masters degrees, graduate diplomas, and certificates for professionals who want to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

“Apart from administrative experience, Paula has a strong research record. She’s a Concordia University research chair,” said Carr. “While there is an increasing number of graduate programs at the Masters and Diploma levels that focus on providing students with professional credentials, the link between research, graduate and postdoctoral studies is fundamental in most fields and Paula embodies those connections through her work as a researcher and supervisor.”

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Concordia Student Union News

CSU’s first fall semester meeting

Wednesday Sept. 18 marked the first CSU Council meeting of the 2013 fall semester. Issues of fee levy groups were brought up, as well as CSU former executives’ Newtown party expenses and the appointment of new Senators and many committee members.

The Fee Levy Advocacy group at Concordia had a member from both the Centre for Gender Advocacy and QPIRG asking that point 138 (a) of CSU’s Standing Regulations be either re-evaluated or removed. The point added in February 2012 states that “The constitution and/or regulations must state a majority of the board of directors voting seats shall be held by currently registered Concordia students. 
Notwithstanding, the above shall not apply to fee levies used to collect membership fees for multi-membership provincial or federal educational lobby groups.” This point was added without any consultation from the fee levy groups and while the representing members encourage students to be part of their board they feel it is something the CSU should encourage as opposed to mandate.

While the representing members believe it is very reasonable to have students control their organization through constitutions, they should not prioritize student status over needed practical skills. The representative from QPIRG said, “a one size fits all approach may not be reflective of all the organizations” and that “active participation from alumni and other non-students could be a valuable asset.”

After a lengthy discussion the issue of composition was referred to policy committee with a report to be drafted for the first Council meeting to be held in January.

With regards to the former executives of the CSU having used Council funds for a party, CSU Councillor Wendy Kraus-Heitmann’s made a motion requesting that the current council write a formal letter to the former executives, asking that they refund the council for their excessive and unapproved party expenses. The motion passed. The motion requests that former executives Nadine Attallah, Alexis Suzuki, Andrew Roberts, Simon Pierre Lauzon, Keny Toto, and Stefan Faina reimburse their spending of $9,000 over budget.

CSU has appointed several new members to student committees and senate.  Appointed as the new CSU Chairperson is Nicolas Cuillerier, with hopes to use CSU resources to promote council meetings and make them more inviting for students. In addition he plans to ensure that meeting dates and agendas are posted in advance on the CSU website.

Cuillerier was disappointed to announce that according to CSU bylaws, as CSU Chairperson he is no longer able to chair for the Judicial Board. Despite having to send in his resignation Cuillerier said, “I have full faith that the board will select a reliable new Chairperson and I will be there in the short term to help them with the transition.”

Loic Sanscartier from JMSB  is presently the VP Academic & Student Affairs at CASA JMSB, but insists he sit on the Senate independently of any association with CASA. When asked what aspirations he has as a member of Senate Sanscartier said, “As a member of Senate, I hope to be able to accurately voice the interests and concerns of my fellow JMSB students and of Concordia students as a whole. I also intend to work with fellow Senators to find ways to increase undergraduate students’ involvement in their own education, be it through curriculum innovation, research opportunities or other forms of experiential learning.”

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News

JMSB’s MBA program second greenest in the world

On Sept. 23, results from Corporate Knights magazine’s inaugural Global Green Survey showed that Concordia’s John Molson School of Business master of business administration program is ranked second in the world.

The award-winning publication, founded in 2002, is published only four times per year and can be found as an insert in the Globe and Mail and the Washington Post. Focusing on the intersection of business and society, Corporate Knight’s vision is to provide information to empowering markets creating incentive to foster a better world.

The Global Green Survey evaluates how effectively MBA programs around the globe incorporate sustainability into their business education. The magazine has been ranking Canadian MBA programs in the last nine years and JMSB has always ranked among the best nationally.  However, being ranked second globally, reinforces and promotes the strength of the school’s MBA program on an international scale.

“JMSB is a vital link to forward-thinking business leaders who create innovative solutions that work,” said Concordia president Alan Shepard.

“JMSB is committed to ensuring that today’s business decisions lead to a greener, more sustainable future and these survey results recognize that by confirming that JMSB is increasingly being viewed as a global leader in the advancement of sustainable enterprise,” stated Steve Harvey, JMSB dean.

John Molson has worked very hard at integrating sustainability into their programs by hiring forward-thinking faculty who are interested in both ethical and responsible business practices, in addition to focusing on a curriculum that enforces and promotes sustainable enterprise. The school offers two environmentally responsible business-related internship programs and a certificate program for professionals with interests in sustainable investments, with a French version to be launched this fall. JMSB also has two research centres dedicated to scholarships in sustainability.

For any further inquiries about JMSB’s ranking and the 2013 Global Green MBA Survey, consult www.corporateknights.com/greenmba or check it out in print in the fall 2013 issue of Corporate Knights, distributed alongside the Sept. 23 issue of the Globe and Mail.

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News

Freedom Relay at Dawson College

In Dawson College’s Peace Garden on Wednesday, Sept. 18, a demonstration against human trafficking was held by the Dawson Womens’ Services & Advocacy Centre, The HIVE. The Freedom Relay is an annual event that takes place across Canada.

Organizers of this event were inspired by the fact that so few people are aware of what human trafficking is and that it occurs inside our borders. The event at Dawson featured live music and speakers who talked about their experiences and knowledge of human trafficking.

According to The Comité d’Action contre la Traite Humaine Interne et Internationale, (CATHII) the definition of human trafficking is “The exploitation of people, i.e. Sexual exploitation through prostitution, forced labour, and other forms of modern slavery.”

There is a common belief that most human trafficking occurs in other countries, mostly developing countries, and that it is not a reality within Canada. However, the Freedom Relay is held to inform society of the human trafficking which takes place in North America.

“Once people know that [human trafficking] is happening in Canada, they can recognize it and denounce it. That is our goal here,” said Sabrina Tremblay-Huet, an organizer of the March, studying international law at the Université du Québec à Montréal.

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, the trafficking of women and girls in Canada, though illegal, still occurs often to women who have already been demeaned: Aboriginal women, abuse survivors, young girls or immigrant women. One of the most horrifying aspects about human trafficking is that higher prices are paid for younger girls. The average age of girls being trafficked is 13 years old.

“There is trafficking in every country in the world,” said Catherine Legault, also an organizer. Legault is the executive director of Chab Dai Canada, an organization that works to prevent human trafficking. “In Montreal, the police are investigating over 150 cases of children in prostitution every year.”

What can be done about a phenomenon that takes place worldwide? “The best way to help with any human rights issue is stay informed and learn as much about it as possible,” said Tremblay-Huet.

If you suspect that you know someone that is being exploited, call Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477. For more information on human trafficking in Canada in French visit cathii.org or in English canadianwomen.org/trafficking.

 

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News

CUPFA President steps down, steps into role on BOG

After two decades at the helm of the Concordia University Part-Time Faculty Association (CUPFA), Maria Peluso is stepping down as president. Having also worked with the Inter-Union Council and countless committees and advisory boards on behalf of students, staff, faculty and the community at large, Peluso has been a constant in the Concordia community.  Peluso has earned a reputation for excellence “through her fierce dedication to the betterment of the institution she cherishes and the community she has nurtured through teaching, advocacy and influencing public policy,” says René Lalonde, former president of the Concordia University Union of Support Staff – Technicians Union.  What does her “stepping down” from her presidential role at CUPFA mean for Concordia? It means Peluso will be “stepping up” to dealing with problems at the prevention stage instead of at the intervention phase.

“I feel that it is time for me to accept a new role, to provide an ounce of prevention instead of a pound of cure in the policy process,” Peluso explained. “One of the places to enhance our institution’s mission is alongside the other members on the board of governors, a group of dedicated individuals; volunteers who are offering their own diverse expertise.” Thus Peluso will be continuing her work as a member of the Board of Governors, the highest decision-making body that influences public policy and the day-to-day lives of the Concordia community.

There is no doubt that her institutional memory, as a result of over 30 years with Concordia, will help provide context to important discussions. “Maria is first and foremost an educator and mentor,  she has helped guide and teach all of us in the union movement as well as students, of the importance of accountable, universal and just policy implementation. I know she will continue to advocate for that at the Board level too,” said Lalonde.

Although her colleagues in the union movement will miss her at their table, (as will CUPFA members),Peluso feels CUPFA is in excellent hands with her successor, David Douglas,  “[He] shares the view held by part-time faculty and others on the role of CUPFA and “unions” – when required to defend members as a union, and to also safeguard the interests of the University community as an association. CUPFA’s two roles are not mutually exclusive, nor confrontational. Dave is a team leader, one who seeks harmony and who is solution-based as a thinker.”

Peluso’s commitment to the values of diversity, sustainability, and integrity, are critical components of her make-up. “Maria is a force of nature, aimed at ensuring responsible, ethical management and enhancing Concordia’s reputation as an example of how society should function,” says Lisa Montgomery, a former executive with the Concordia University Support Staff Union.  “Maria is no armchair intellectual; she has a proven track record as an applied political scientist of public administration and public policy, a known federalist and solid advocate for government accountability. Her love of Concordia’s faculty, staff and students is in real-time.”  Montgomery believes that Peluso will bring a wide-variety of experience in organization, conflict resolution and relationship building to her continued roles within Concordia.

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Concordia Student Union News

CSU chairperson resigns after two meetings

Former CSU chairperson, Shannon Keys, resigned on Aug. 27. After being with the CSU team for only a few months, Keys resigned after chairing only two Special Council meetings. President Melissa Kate Wheeler tells us that Keys resigned due to her busy schedule for the upcoming year. “Her busy schedule made her feel as though she could not fully commit to her responsibilities as chairperson,” said Wheeler.

The chairperson is very fundamental and important to the CSU. The chairperson is there to facilitate the council meetings, communicate with council and executives and keep track of important documents alongside the Council Secretary. Wheeler and the CSU are already on top of finding a new chairperson, eager to find a fitting candidate as soon as possible. “A strong chair will facilitate smooth, effective, and respectful CSU council meetings,” said Wheeler.

The job position for chairperson will be posted to the CSU website this week with plans to advertise it as much as possible. The CSU Communications Coordinator will be helping executives find the right candidate to fill the position; as the Council members are all very busy with CSU’s orientation and welcoming new students.

President Wheeler is both eager and positive about finding the next chairperson.

Should any candidates for the job come forward, interviews will be held at the next regular Council meeting. The meeting will take place on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in room H-763.

Former Council Chairperson and current Chairperson of the CSU Judicial Board, Nick Cuillerier, will take over as Council Chairperson. Cuillerier will continue to serve as Council Chair for 30 days, or until the position is filled. President Wheeler informs us that “so far, there are no candidates.”

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News

Shepard takes pride in Concordia’s diversity

Graphic by Jennifer Kwan
Graphic by Jennifer Kwan

During this year’s first briefing with President Alan Shepard, there were a myriad of topics to discuss. The main focus was Dr. Shepard’s experience after completing his first full year at Concordia’s helm but he also discussed his aspirations and how he plans to proceed in the upcoming year.

Admitting to 18-hour days at the office, Shepard is nothing short of committed. When asked about his first year with Concordia University, he explained that he learned a lot about time management and how to make adjustments to meet the schools needs. Concordia’s welcoming community of staff and students blew Shepard away, stating how proud he is of Concordia’s “rich, diverse and fantastic community.”

When asked about the upcoming year, Shepard explained his plans for the creation of both writing and math centres, designed to not only help students struggling with those subjects but also offer options to any student seeking improvement. Additionally, Shepard mentioned the amelioration of student financial aid and says that speeding up the admissions process is absolutely necessary, explaining the school needs “academic renewal in an era of online education.”

Dr. Shepard was also thrilled to tell students that Concordia is thriving – in comparison to many universities across the country who are unfortunately being forced to cut staff and programs due to budget cuts at massive levels, Concordia is in the process of strategically hiring new faculty members to work in multidisciplinary programs. Dr. Shepard says “it’s the way of the future. Programs that students want are now cross cutting, they don’t just do or focus on one thing.” Shepard said they are currently working on 9 or 10 new multidisciplinary programs to be advertised next July.

When asked about the repairs in the Hall building, Shepard says they are going to be on-going renovations to the lobby and that, for now, there is no definite deadline. There are also major advancements being done in the H-110 auditorium. The large space holds up to 650 students and is scheduled to be completely renovated by Jan. 2014. The president assured us that Quebec allocates a certain amount of funds for upkeep and renovations and that it does not interfere with the budget for programs and classes. The Hall building’s facelift is being done to improve the space and ambience for all students. Additional hopes for the building are to create an attractive destination in the heart of Montreal, providing the school with more opportunities, particularly during the times of the year where Montreal hosts many world-renowned festivals.

Finally, Shepard was keen on confirming the rumors of a logo change. Suggestions to remove the open-book graphic have been brought forth but no replacement image has been chosen. Shepard says he likes the idea of only using the school’s name and feels there is no graphic needed. Plans are to have the logo appear simple and minimalist with no overwhelming changes.

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Concordia Student Union News

CSU appoints new general manager

The Concordia Student Union selected Robert Henri to be the new general manager, on Aug.14.  The position had previously been unfilled for over a year, leaving CSU executives eager to find the right person to take on the position.  “Having a general manager will greatly benefit all the CSU executives and give them more opportunity to focus on their jobs,” said CSU President Melissa Kate Wheeler.

In May 2012 the previous general manager resigned and until this August the CSU has been operating without any advising or management from a general manager.   During the 2012 fall semester former CSU President Schubert Laforest became ill and after only half his session as president, had to resign.  Following this misfortune, the CSU council elected Andrew Roberts in March 2013 to take over as president for the remainder of the school year.

Immediately after accepting his position as CSU President, Roberts got in touch with Human Resources and formed a hiring committee to start the process of searching for a new general manager.  By the time the candidates were shortlisted, Roberts had finished his term as president and Wheeler stepped up to finish the selection process, while simultaneously commencing her work for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.

Wheeler, CSU executives and the hiring committee came to a unanimous decision that Robert Henri was the best choice for the position.  “He was the most well rounded candidate for the job.” “With Robert here we’ll be able to focus on our work, CSU would have really suffered without him and I don’t know how they survived last year without a general manager,” said Wheeler.

Henri has already started working with the CSU, his new role as general manager will focus mainly on dealing with the CSU’s accounting and finances, as well as managing the staff of executives. Wheeler is confident that Henri’s background in accounting will greatly benefit the CSU and his hiring will undoubtedly be a relief to VP Finance, Scott Carr, who had been taking on the majority of the work associated with the role of  general manager in the absence of a qualified replacement.

A stream of unfortunate events and the decision of the previous CSU council to postpone the selection process lead to a year without a general manager and unquestionably much heavier workload for CSU Executives.  With the assistance of the new general manager, Wheeler predicts a less stressful school year, giving the CSU executives more time to focus on their jobs and upcoming tasks.

 

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News

Students to be rewarded for their involvement in enriching campus life

Promotional graphic for Campus Choice Awards.

Many students put in exceptionally hard work to enrich campus life or take on strong leadership roles to guide new students, and for this they usually receive little recognition.  CampusPerks is an organization created to change this, with a focus on rewarding students for their work. Beginning this year, CampusPerks is introducing the Campus Choice Awards as a way to highlight exceptional students who have gone out of their way to improve the atmosphere on campus. To qualify for the Campus Choice Awards, students can create art, plan a school event or take on a creative or entertaining endeavour.

Strangely enough, CampusPerks started by accident.  Dave Wilkin, the creator of CampusPerks, was a student at the University of Waterloo. While organizing one of the biggest intramural volleyball tournaments in the school’s history, Wilkin was informed that the tournament would have to be cancelled.

The tournament was unfortunately cancelled at the very last minute due to budget constraints.  Wilkin’s devastation led him to start a campaign on Facebook to raise the funds himself, determined to ensure that all his fellow teammates got to play in the tournament they had trained so hard for.  His enthusiastic spirit and resolve allowed him to raise the money for the volleyball tournament in just three days.

After the success of his tournament, Wilkin came to the realization that increasingly high tuition fees combined with poor funding for clubs created a huge obstacle for students who wanted to enhance and enrich campus life. This specific incident led to the development and creation of CampusPerks.

Last year CampusPerks partnered up with S-Trip! and awarded a student with a one-year scholarship. The scholarship not only covered their entire tuition fees but also all of their books, set them up with a summer internship and sent the awarded student with three of their friends on a grad trip to the Caribbean. In another case, CampusPerks teamed up with Tourism Australia to send a university travel blogger on a 17-day trip to explore and experience the best of Australia; while they got to blog and document their travels for their classmates and friends back home.

The Campus Choice Awards were launched a few weeks ago, with the intention of highlighting and exposing, as much as possible, all the incredible talent and excellent work that occurs on campuses across Canada. There are five categories, that will be open to applicants at different times during the year.

The first two categories selected to start the awards are Canada’s Best Campus Event and Canada’s Best Artist/Entertainer(s). CampusPerks and Campus Choice Awards representative, Nicolas Petraglia, said, “The reason for starting with these categories is to highlight events before they happen and get artists exposed before the year starts, with hopes to help them get their name known and thus help them promote their future shows, galleries, etc.”

In both categories, students can apply as an individual or as a group.  The other categories will be open for applications starting in November, beginning with Team and Clubs Edition, followed by Student Leader Edition running in January, and finally the Athlete Edition in March.

If you have any other questions, the Campus Perks team encourages you to reach out. For any students wanting more information or wondering how to apply, visit their website campusperks.ca and get into contact with their team via email.

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Student Life

Leave your worries on the water

Press photo
Bota Bota gives you the option of either the steam room or one of their two saunas, a heated place to sit and relax for five to 15 minutes to help open your pores. Press photo

Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau comes highly recommended. Bota Bota is a spa in the Old Port of Montreal and, as you may have assumed, it’s on a boat. The ambiance is chic and classy and most importantly, relaxing.

The standard treatment is their water circuit relaxation. I had the pleasure of experiencing it, and is it worth every penny. If it’s your first time at this spa in particular, they start you off with a guided tour by a member of their helpful staff who will explain all the available treatments and show you around.

The first step is to embrace the heat. Bota Bota gives you the option of either the steam room or one of their two saunas, a heated place to sit and relax for five to 15 minutes to help open your pores. Step two is not for the weak-hearted. It entails a quick and painful jump into a freezing cold bath! If you’re skeptical, I would recommend the cold shower as it’s much less shocking. This part immediately snaps all your pores shut, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated when you get out.

The third and final step is the relaxation period of 15 minutes for you to feel revitalized and to clear your busy mind. They have several areas for this, one of them being a small theatre style room with a big television where my tour guide laughed and said, “That’s where the boyfriends and husbands go to watch hockey while the ladies are in the spa upstairs.”

There are also two open common areas with wide and chic couches and bean bag chairs, as well as lovely cushioned circular window seats where you can sit overlooking the small waterfall from the canal and the St. Lawrence River.

My favourite relaxation spot would have to be their hammocks. The rocking motion of the hammock chair soothed my soul and delivered the ultimate relaxation time, winning the top spot for me, and anyone else who wants to be rocked like a peaceful little baby.

Each step could be repeated as many times as you’d like. They also offer a wide range of spa treatments such as a variety of massages, facials, aerobic classes, and manicures and pedicures. There is also a bistro located on the main floor where I had the most delicious tuna melt of my life.

It is also important to note on Tuesdays, Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau has a promotion where two can get their standard treatment for $60, which honestly, is about the same price as a movie and popcorn these days. Do not forget to bring your favourite swimsuit and sandals, as they are mandatory, and upon arrival you will also be given a comfortable robe and towel. So go with your special someone, your best gal pal or alone like I did, and escape to a relaxing, glamorous getaway right here in the city! I promise you will leave feeling fresh and relaxed, if you even want to leave at all.

 

For more information contact Bota Bota at (514) 284-0333.

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Student Life

Until tech do us part

There is no denying that technology has had, for the most part, a positive impact on our lives. Although we have come a long way with technological improvements, human relationships have taken a backseat in the progress. Texting and online messaging can be fun and convenient, but there are some dark days where technology has been our worst enemy.

Many women in the dating game find themselves holding a cell in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Suddenly, all the men a woman might ignore or reject, seem worth her while. She sends texts proposing they should hang out, grab a coffee or have a drink. Unfortunately, when morning comes, so does regret and a phone conversation with a friend on how texting under the influence can be a dangerous.

As for those “single and ready to mingle” with a potential prospect in mind, they tend to turn to Facebook for assurance, stalking this person’s tagged photos to see what they look like and who they hang out with. Facebook is also used as a cowardly approach of communication.

Rather than gathering up the courage to ask a lovely lady for her number in person, I’ve come to notice that men ask for phone numbers via Facebook, or worse, get it from the information section without permission. Soon he will be initiating contact with no more than a text message.

As convenient as this process may be, it is impersonal and unromantic. While Facebook can be a great way to chat with others, it should not be the sole source of introduction and communication when you first meet someone.

As Miley Cyrus once sang, “When you mean it, I’ll believe it; if you text it, I’ll delete it.”  Although that was supposed to be humourous, the verdict is still clear: Stay clear social networks until you have properly introduced yourself in person.

As for technology and serious relationships, there are a few scenarios where such a combo can go extremely wrong.  Though there’s no harm in the occasional “sext,” a heart on your sweetheart’s Facebook wall, or even a mobile upload of the two of you sharing spaghetti and meatballs, there are moments when technology can be your worst enemy.

Along with curiosity and jealousy come the undesirable questions of who’s who on your Facebook friends list and cell phone contacts.

I was astonished to read in The Guardian that according to American divorce lawyers and academics, Facebook is the number one reason for relationship troubles in the U.S., and is in the process of being accused of being one of the leading causes of divorce.  As if couples don’t already have enough obstacles to overcome.

As far as I can see, whether you are single, looking, or taken, technology can cause some unwanted drama. Facebook has put pressure on relationships, and while texting may be cute, it’s no love letter.

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