Answer

Just read this article by Brian Solis. The following passage is how I feel about social media in general and Facebook in particular and it provides me with the answer I was looking for (I just didn’t know how to put it in words).

Indeed, privacy as we knew it is dead. It is now something that we have to learn and teach. Your privacy settings in Facebook are yours to manage. But, to do so takes initiative and an understanding that like your credit score, what you share online requires definition and reinforcement. Remember, what works against us also works for us. We’re essentially adding a layer of thoughtfulness in our social networking to better tell our story and also enjoy the stories of others.

So there you have it. We move ahead.., we just need to be more cautious about where we click or what we like. Be more conscious and use your head when you surf the Internet.

Remember that the easier it is to share.., the easier it is to share the wrong thought…

Paradigm Shift

A turning point.., a crossroads.., a social media shift…

Choice: Do I fully immerse my self in Facebook and Open Graph?

It is a fantastic technology, a huge development in how we experience the web. Do we join Facebook and take full advantage of it’s possibilities?
Do we do this with open eyes, fully aware of the dangers this might bring to our privacy.., how much privacy do we have left anyway?
Do we trust the big ones or will we be skeptical, paranoid or even afraid of them?
What does it matter if they know whether I like Coke over Pepsi (and I really do)?
Why is it a bad thing if I get advertisements tailored to my tastes.., it’s a whole lot better than being bombarded with adverts which have absolutely nothing to do with me.

Then again.., will all this information be used against me at some point in time by somebody who doesn’t like me for whatever reason…

Then there is my job.., I am the social media guy at work.., I should explore everything.., all possibilities.., how can I do that if I’m to withhold from certain developments.

And then there is the future…
What if half a billion people and one company decide that this is the future.., who am I to argue. And am I willing to pass it by.., what will it be like in 10 or 20 years time…

I guess I have to sleep on it for a bit more.., or even meditate.

What do you think?

F8

Ok.., wow…
A culture of hackers huh.., well.., I just saw a (propaganda) movie of Anonymous.., they’re hackers.., they have a plan.., and it doesn’t include the word “heaven”.., that should be interesting…

Anyway.., it all is kinda creepy.,. I think. But, on the other hand it is something I could get behind.., I like.., nay.., love the idea of a social internet.
What’s disturbing me is when that dude comes on for the closing talk (at the F8) he so enthusiastically tells us it is all about the people then turns around and starts talking about how much money these people are making.

Okay.., it’s about people.., people making money… the developers who sit there are deducting the costs of the conference to the company.

If it was so much about people.., you’d drop the advertisements and give the people back the control over their data and how they use it… I’d say the monetization of the web is what’s driving these companies and they use the people, or social aspect to reach their goals.., isn’t that how it always goes.

“It’s all about you.., we care about you.., buy our shit and we’ll show you!”.

It’s OK to have a people and a social angle.., hell.., it’s a social network.., by all means.., connect everything you possibly can (just as long as I stay in control).., but don’t forget to mention that making money is still at the core of the business.

So, yes.., I think it’s creepy because they plan awesome things.., really great developments.., actually changing the future and that’s great.., but I believe they’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Especially when it is to promote keg stands, which is arguably one of the more stupid things to do…

Don’t get me wrong.., I love social media.., hell, it’s my job.., and I really think Open Graph is awesome and I wish everything does connect and the Internet will be a place where people can safely navigate and share everything and find great stuff and information.., but please… Do it for the right reasons or at least tell us what you really want or how you think to obtain it.., we will still use your product.., we might even throw in a bit of respect.