Facebook and privacy: What’s in it for me?
Facebook’s recent privacy push has been the center of debate for the past couple of weeks. And rightfully so. Mix some fairly sketchy practices, striking comments and a not-so-subtle revenue goal, and you’ve got yourself a bit of a controversy.
Despite our growing concerns, there remains a curiosity about what the future may bring if we are to give up more. As someone who has been victimized by identify theft, I consider myself fairly careful with very personal data. I also understand that oftentimes you have to give more to get more. But when it comes to Facebook, I have a tough time grasping what I’ll get if I provide more data about my life, my friends and my activities. I’m just disturbed that Facebook knows that I may be balding.
Sramana Mitra’s piece in Forbes brings us closer to what Facebook’s reality could look like via some smart acquisitions. Chances are, I’d be willing to divulge more if I could be the beneficiary of a robust and targeted job network. I’d also probably integrate a calendar on Facebook if I knew that I could plan smart, affordable travel and share that information with friends and family.
First things first, Facebook. Show me where the value lies, and I’ll show you more data.
Would added value make you more comfortable with sharing personal information?
Image credit, VisualField, via iStock
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Posted by Sandy on January 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
I’d be a lot happier with a lot of FB’s wacky policies if they at LEAST improved customer service. I’m not sure I’d use some of the options discussed, but if I felt like they actually cared about the improvements we’ve been asking for, I’d be less taken aback at their privacy changes. (I still haven’t grown to love the latest overhaul…they promised I would forget what the “old” facebook looked like within months, and all this time later I still hate the new one!)
Signed,
Grumpy in WA
Posted by Laurie Creasy on January 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 pm
To me, giving up more privacy feels like a short-term win but a long-term loss. The next Hitler [or choose your dictator] to come along and we’re all toast.
Posted by Peter Lake on January 22nd, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Now that the era of privacy is ‘over’ according to the self-styled privacy expert in charge of Facebook, I think every Facebook user should use two profiles: a real-name profile with one photo (for verification that it’s you when people search for you), and a fake-name profile where you put all your fun stuff, take quizzes, do your socializing and engage in political debates, join groups, etc. It’s INSANITY to use real names on a privately owned social network with such weak security.
Zuckerberg should endorse this stratagem to users, because if we all do this, his number of active accounts will “double”, and so will his wealth.