Facebook, in its current incarnation, is used for two purposes: to message random hot girls because you have “so much in common” (For example: Wow, you enjoy “movies,” too? Amazing. Wanna, you know, hang out?) and to show off drunk pictures, sometimes doctored, of yourself acting all crazy to the rest of your crew. That’s it. Sure, I’m a member of one or two “groups” wherein I pledge my allegiance to the flag and all that, but that several, real life companies feel that Facebook is the next Big Thing sends a certain shiver down my spine. Truths.
It turns out that I’m not the only one who, well not fears Facebook, ’cause I’m tin-foil-hat-afraid of it or anything, but who has noticed its rise to prominence with caution. In all truthfulness I couldn’t give a damn about the Web site, but its recent F8 event deserves attention.
It was, demonstrably, an event where men in suits and the people who serve them gathered to discuss “synergy” and “promote awareness” of their wares via the new Facebook “platform.” Essentially, Facebook wants to become your one-stop place for all things, ever.
A recent ZDNet post suggests that, in less than 10 years, Facebook and its founder Mark Zuckerberg could be as influential as Google. Not only will it be “the largest social network in the world,” but it will have so much information on you and yours that its value will be unthinkable.
Think of it: you willingly put all your hobbies, interests and other desires on your profile. This info is like oil and gold and sex all fused together to make one remarkably large dollar sign for the many companies out there looking to sell you soap. The very same ZDNet post also points out that Facebook collects other information about you every time you visit, without your knowledge or approval. The site will spider the Internet for more information about you in order to best “serve” you.
And all these new Facebook apps that are popping up… yeah, Facebook has no control over how these apps use your data.
So go ahead, throw your privacy right out the window. But don’t let anybody say that, though they came for someone else, I said nothing.
Nicholas – good post.
While I applaud the Facebook initiatives – it would behove students to pause and think about what they do on Facebook – a few clicks and any recruiter can profile the next job candidate. THINK ABOUT IT FELLAs – those early “digital scars” don’t heal that well!
There could be a whole business (or maybe even a science) of “personality analysis by social networking profiles” emerging in the HR world. Now that could be a real money maker! Hmmm – scary!
Maybe I dont understand, but I do not see what the big deal is if some company scand my profile and finds out I like the Sopranos.
or scanned*
Hi,
This was posted on Digg a number of months ago, it is a presentation discussing the horrible terms of service agreement that Facebook has. As well, it shows the trail of relationships that tie Facebook to government bodies.
http://albumoftheday.com/facebook/
Please just watch for the sake of information. You can agree or disagree, but at least keep an open mind before saying no.
Pass this along if you believe.