We have all heard the term "Facebook stalking" and are probably even guilty of engaging in it at one time or another. Facebook stalking is being curious to the point of checking other people’s profiles to see who their friends are, whether they are in a relationship, where they work, check out their pictures and what their latest status update was just to name a few things. Being nosy has reached new heights with the new “subscribe to” button Facebook is currently testing out. The subscribe to button works similar to an RSS feed and allows users to subscribe to another Facebook profile that way they are automatically updated when the person they are subscribed to posts new content or engages in other Facebook activities. Of the new subscribe to feature Facebook comments , “This feature is being tested with a small percent of users. It lets people subscribe to friends and pages to receive notifications whenever the person they’ve subscribed to updates their status or posts new content (photos, videos, links, or notes).” according to reports by Allfacebook.
Call me a skeptic but I foresee some backlash with this feature as it sounds eerily similar to the News Feed that publishes updates to your account and your friends’ accounts to the public news feed. The news feed feature had many Facebook users upset with the way their information was shared and the lack of control they had; and as a result Facebook ushered in simplified security features. Let's also not forget about the Facebook Connections debacle discussed in this article. While this sounds like a cool tool for businesses and for entertainers to enable them to stay in constant contact with fans, my suggestion is that the subscribe button be offered as an extension to those that want it and not something all users have to change their security features in order to control. And here you thought it was annoying enough every time your cell buzzed due to the “Subscribe via SMS” feature that links you cell to your Facebook account so that you get the latest news while you are mobile.
What do you think; is this feature taking Facebook stalking to the extreme? Or do you think you are that interesting that people will want to subscribe to you on Facebook?
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Comments
so people like these can harass?
http://legal-crime.com
I am not surprised FB is testing a feature like this. It makes sense based on their lack of belief in privacy. I just don't post or use FB anymore because of new features like this and my lack of trust in them with my information.
I recently signed for an invite to a new social networking site called Just a Few of Us (JAFOU) that promises to be super private! It sounds awesome and exactly what people will need once everyone realizes FB is not worthy of anyone's time. www.justafewofus.com
That can get pretty annoying!
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