So why do I think Facebook will be gone within the next 5-10 years? I have a couple reasons.

Second, Facebook is not private. This goes along with the first problem, but is something I think is a fundamental failure of Facebook. I have read some economic papers that suggest many Americans abandoned the crowded cities of the 20th century to venture into the suburbs for the reason of privacy. Of course there were other reasons, but it's necessary to note that Americans love their privacy. Facebook does not promote privacy at all. Im fact with the recent timeline feature, all of our lives from the very moment we joined up on Facebook are easily shown, from those embarrassing photos to those comments where we use the swear word. All of which is quite embarrassing and presents us a chance to have our peers, and employers included, change their opinions of us. Not a popular thing there.
Third, going along further with the privacy issues, Facebook also is getting old from its original users and as we get older, do we want the same content from our distant pasts to GE broadcasted to the rest of the world? I don't mind because I don't have embarrassing photos or other content, but still, many others do. Will Facebook be the adolescent cool thing and as we get older and more mature, will it just be uncool? I think for many, it will.
Fourth, Facebook is a tool for the U.S. government to spy on Americans and other people from around the world. Given its big name, as people want privacy from this increasingly invaded private lives, they will venture to smaller networks that are less watched and considered underground so to speak.
Finally, I just think people have this trend to smaller private networks that will make each friend more valuable than just a number on your friend list.
Google+ is what I think a future model, but will have to have other services in order to work.
I like Facebook to an extent, but I would like an alternative too. I think others will agree and over time, Facebook will be just another giant to meet its sunset like other former Internet giants.
What are your recommendations for facebook to change? I saw your blog post through facebook- it reaches a lot of people. So is this necessarily a bad thing?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure Facebook can really change anything to avert eventually being succumbed to Zuckerberg's dream of a giant social directory. I think that is fundamentally what is wrong with Facebook. If you look at Facebook, its very public and not personal at all. I don't think myspace's picture background or music themes are good, but to me Facebook just is there to put me out there as a private being and having that privacy broadcasted to 500 some friends and anyone who searches me. Yes Facebook brought you here, and that's where they make their money, advertising and connections. But that is my very point, while I want my blog to be broadcasted to the masses, do I want a picture, comment, or opinion broadcasted to everyone..? I think the key is not make Facebook a directory, but make it a personal experience to enhance those social connections with your friends. I could be wrong, but that's my opinion.
ReplyDelete