Disclaimer: I don't use Facebook or MySpace; I never have. A critic might say I have no place publicly criticizing a service I don't use, and to some extent, they're right. However, instead of ranting-and-raving about why I don't like these services, I've provided a few well thought out arguments that clearly explain my position. And for the record, Every time I drive by one of the many Facebook office's scattered about downtown Palo Alto, I roll my eyes. An entire "empire" built literally, on nothing. Continue reading how Facebook and MySpace are dumbing-down our friendships.
Here's why I think online social networks are dumbing-down our friendships. You may not agree with me; I don't care.
FOLLOWUP 3/19/09
I'd like to add that Twitter is also lagging in the innovation department. Twitter is an interesting service, but after using it for about a week or so the novelty is definitely starting to wear off. On another note, any reasonably skilled programmer with a free weekend and enough coffee could create a Twitter clone; it's not complicated.
- Online social networks maintain a terrible privacy record. If you haven't followed these stories in the news, then you might want to read this, this, and this to see how your information and social networks are used without your knowledge. Personally, I'm extremely wary of Facebook and MySpace. I've worked on several technologies these services are built-on, and I've seen first-hand what a small bug in a piece of code can expose to the wrong people (employers, family, friends, marketers, etc.).
- Online social networks encourage lazy friendships. They help us forget the real meaning of friendships, and what it means to have a connection to someone. Not surprisingly, most internet only friendships lack verbal and physical interaction which are an essential part of any relationship. Instead of picking up the phone to call a friend, we now "poke" a pal on Facebook, or leave a message on their Facebook Graffiti board. These 21st century interactions are hardly personal; they're done entirely behind a computer screen.
- Online social networks are one big popularity contest. I suspect that's one of the reasons why services like Facebook and MySpace are so "virally" successful. Nevertheless, these services have made us less aware of the quality of our relationships. We're now more concerned about how many friends we can claim a connection to on our Facebook or MySpace page. It's about quantity, not quality. Some sociologists argue that an average human can only maintain 4-5 close friendships at a time. In this case, it's unrealistic to maintain 2,000+ friends or connections on Facebook. It's unrealistic, because it's impossible. A better approach to online friendships might be finding a way to distinguish "friends" from "acquaintances." Imagine how different the game would be if Facebook only let you claim a "connection" to a maximum of five friends. Everyone else would be an acquaintance.
- Are these online social networks the best we can do? I have yet to see any real innovation from any online social networking service. Facebook and MySpace are interesting, but they are hardly innovative. Each social networking site, or service, are essentially the same but with a different twist. And, each new online social network emerging from the Valley brings nothing new to the table. Give me an online social network with something really unique and special, and I just might consider joining.
FOLLOWUP 3/19/09
I'd like to add that Twitter is also lagging in the innovation department. Twitter is an interesting service, but after using it for about a week or so the novelty is definitely starting to wear off. On another note, any reasonably skilled programmer with a free weekend and enough coffee could create a Twitter clone; it's not complicated.
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