Facebook: Fad or Future?
May 28, 2012
It looks like Computerworld is buys into the Facebook-as-a-fad thing with their piece, “U.S. Facebook Users Skeptical of Site’s Privacy, Longevity.” The privacy thing I can see; I approach posting anything on Facebook as if I were shouting in the middle of a crowded square surrounded by cameras. But Facebook on the way out? I don’t think so.
This latest kerfuffle, timed interestingly so close to Facebook’s much-discussed IPO, was spawned by a poll by the Associated Press and CNBC which found half of Americans think the site is a fad, though 43% see it a more of a fixture. My money (metaphorically) is with that 43%. Keep in mind that there’s still a chunk of the American public that isn’t even comfortable with computers yet. I’d bet a number of older folks think Facebook is a passing fancy because, to them, it’s still one of those new-fangled techy thingies that could never last.
Regarding that privacy issue, even dedicated Facebook users seem to realize they should not be shouting out their credit card numbers in that crowded, camera-encircled square. The article tells us:
“According to the survey, which sampled 1,004 U.S. adults earlier this month, three of every five Facebook users say they have little or no faith that the social network will keep their personal information private. Only 13% trust Facebook to protect their information, and only 12% would feel safe making purchases through the site.
“The AP noted that half of those who use the site daily — Facebook’s most loyal users — say they would not feel safe making a purchase on the network.”
No, Facebook is not a haven of confidentiality, but it was never meant to be. Users who understand that do just fine. As for staying power, the company is nothing if not innovative and responsive to change. We shouldn’t be so quick to count it out.
Cynthia Murrell, May 28, 2012
Sponsored by PolySpot
Comments
-
- Subscribe to Beyond Search
Feature archive
News archive
-
