I am pretty sure that Facebook will not bring upon the Apocalypse but if it does please feel free to lynch me.
So why is everyone up in arms about all of the new Facebook changes and the new profile organization that is going to launch called “Timeline“? Let’s walk through some statements that I’ve heard recently and try to calm some people down about the changes they’re going to be seeing.
“Facebook is changing everything and now I can’t find my Farm or how to poke my friends.”
Change is a GOOD thing but it’s hard to see that when we’re so used to doing things a specific way.
Login, go there, click this, post that….
Rather boring in my opinion, but this is coming from the girl who loved to rearrange her bedroom furniture once a week so I may not be the biggest fan of being static.
The new Timeline will be much more visual and much more user friendly when it comes to adding details and sharing information. I really like the idea of being about to go back and see what I was doing 5 years ago and adding in key moments that might be missing. It’ll also be a great way to learn more about your friends by looking through their Timeline! In the coming weeks we’ll get more info on how we’ll be able to update and such so I’m sure I’ll revisit and do a whole post on how to use the new profile set up.
“Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.”
This is a good point but I’m pretty sure that the inventor of the first cell phone thought it was pretty awesome until the smart phones came around. Evolution is a part of life and to expect everything to stay exactly the same forever is just silly. Sure there will be an adjustment period but that’s the fun part! “What happens when I click this? What is this part of the profile I didn’t have before? What new stuff can I add to my info page? ”
I agree with some people’s statements that Facebook is really bad at launching new options and changes because they change a lot of things all at once or they do it on a Monday when we all just want to get on with our day instead of learning a new system. Having an adjustment period would be nice but again, just roll with it if there isn’t that easy adjustment period. It’s not the end of the world.
“Facebook is trying to steal your identity.”
Being online always comes with risks. Anyone who has an email account has gotten at least one Viagra email in their lifetime so we all know that our email and info is out there for people to find. If you are seriously concerned about your privacy on Facebook make sure to visit your Account settings and Privacy settings sections of Facebook and really take some time to check out all the options you have there. If you are really confused, let me know and I can do a post just on these settings and how to configure them.
On the same note, don’t just click willy nilly all over Facebook or the internet in general without thinking! If someone posts something too good to be true, don’t click on that link! People’s accounts get hacked all the time (normally because of an unsecure password) so just be mindful of what links you are clicking and what apps you are allowing to have access to your account. I am very weary when it comes to allowing apps to have my profile info so I normally only allow apps that I know are reputable and that I know a lot of my friends are using. That and the Sims…it’s so addicting….
You know it’s Free right?
You are by no means required to use Facebook. There are SO many social media sites out there now that Facebook isn’t your only option. Yes, Facebook is very powerful because just about everyone has an account but that doesn’t mean you couldn’t switch over to Google+ and have just as rewarding an experience. As an entrepreneur it’s a little sticky because you want to make sure you have a presence in front of your audience but if you have a fan page you don’t have to worry about any of the personal information issues that we talked about because you can choose whether or not to link your page with your profile.
Facebook is NOT going to start charging.
I have read nothing that points to the idea that Facebook is going to start charging for their site. No, not even if you forget to run around outside naked and screaming “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs!” at the top of your lungs while mowing the grass in a purple tutu. (But just to be sure you should go try that now…)
In sum, Keep Calm and Carry On.
If the change to Facebook is your biggest problem right now then congratulations, everyone is jealous of you!
Your Turn! Comment below and let me know what you think!
- What are your concerns about the new Facebook changes that have happened or will be happening soon?
- What is the craziest status update about the Facebook changes you have seen? (there are some awesome ones floating around the interwebs…)
- What are you looking forward to with the new Timeline feature?
