In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

How to deal with a crush

(The Daily Princetonian) For two years the Princeton Undergraduate Student Government’s “CrushFinder” website has allowed students to let their love be known on campus. Princeton students have been able to insert the campus computing IDs of their crushes and the site would send an anonymous e-mail to the crushes. If two students had crushes on each other, their identities would be revealed to each other in congratulatory e-mails. Now, the system does not require students to be from Princeton, just to have the e-mail addresses of their crushes. The new version of the website is called “Goodcrush.com” and was developed by the USG’s 2007 vice-president. Nineteen campuses across the United States are now involved. “Goodcrush.com” will launch for the first time on Feb. 13.

1.

The science behind love

Star Bulletin
An article from the Hawaii Star Bulletin illustrates where the sensation of love comes from biologically. A relatively new field of study focuses on the biology of romantic love and explains which parts of the brain are used to create those passionate feelings. The article explains that there are four main tiny areas in the brain that create a “circuit of love.” In the powerful ventral tegmental area are cells that make dopamine and send the hormones to other parts of the brain, creating an addiction-like effect. The article goes on to describe studies on the brains of the recently heartbroken. The research could lead to the creation of pills which, paired with therapy, could help troubled relationships.

2.

The girl crush

New York Times
An article in the New York Times describes the phenomenon when a girl develops a crush on another girl. Women explain the non-sexual feelings, such as excitement and nervousness, they feel toward other women. A girl crush is most commonly experienced during a woman’s 20s and 30s. Women develop girl crushes on someone who may be sophisticated, beautiful, powerful or accomplished. The article explains that the heterosexual crush has been around for a while, potentially throughout evolution, helping women bond and work together. Though the girl crush has existed through the ages, it is only now coming back into social acceptability.

3.

Secret crush application scam on Facebook

Blog.wired.com
This blog posted by Wired.com staff writer Ryan Singel investigates the presence of the “Secret Crush” Facebook application that surfaced in January 2008. The application promised to tell you who has a crush on you but actually installed adware on your computer. An Australian and U.S. -based firm called Mobile Messenger created "Secret Crush" as well as "My Luv Crush." The application was visible as a request from a Facebook friend, stating that a friend had a crush on you. The blog relates that researchers assume these scams will become more frequent on similar social networking sites. They say people are more trusting on these networks and will assume most application requests are safe.

4.

How to get over a crush

Hubpages.com
This How-To page by freelance writer Isabella Snow gives a step-by-step, multi-situational guide on how to get over a crush. The site introduces the extremely heighted emotions and actions associated with infatuation such as moping, temper-tantrums and intense pangs of love-at-first-sight. It acknowledges the pain associated with crushes and one’s need to get over it. The site instructs its visitors to analyze the crush, realizing what it is or isn’t. One must dissect the root feelings associated with the crush: is it admiration, lust or love? The site reminds visitors that the only way to truly get over a crush is to break the tantalizing spell of not knowing and get the feelings out in the open, no matter the consequences.

5.

How to let your crusher down easy

PBSkids.org
What better way to learn how to let someone down easy than to get to the basics? This PBS Kids website clearly identifies the straightforward steps to politely acknowledge your crusher's feelings and be honest about yours in return. The site informs its audience that even though this situation can be extremely uncomfortable, it must be handled carefully. One can’t take advantage of another’s vulnerability and make jokes or harshly reject their feelings. The website states that crushers must be dealt with using kindness and firmness. The site also gives useful lines to use when turning down your crusher.