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Comparisons:

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EXTENSIONS

We found a number of websites online that set Facebook apart from the other online social networking applications. They are grouped under ‘extensions’ because they provide added support to the application and are a reflection of its success.

 [A1] The application is so popular that an unofficial website: fcbk.info was created just for us to understand the origins, teach us the uses and tools, and update us on news regarding Facebook. Unlike the other online social networking websites where help is mainly given through the actual company itself, Facebook’s popularity has increased to such an extent, that outside parties have created guides to introduce Facebook to users.

 A direct extension of Facebook is the developers’ section where users can learn how to create applications. This allows users who are equipped with the right skills to let their creativity manifest and allow their creations to be used by people on Facebook, around the world.

 The Facebook Blog is an official extension of website where the bloggers are staff from Facebook. The blog features posts on the projects and updates that are in place. Furthermore, it is a channel for them to convey what problems have been addressed and what changes were made in order for the users to better enjoy their Facebook experience.

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NEWS

 Facebook’s Success

Of the many online social networking websites available, Microsoft has chosen to invest in Facebook, even though statistically it is not the highest nor most popular. The latter has invested a total of US$240million for a 1.6% stake in the online social networking website[A1] , and its investment in Facebook “demonstrates that it has a great deal of faith in the profitability of the popular social networking site.” (Pew Internet)

 Furthermore, the potential of Facebook is demonstrated through the ‘reaction’ from major web name Google. A platform known as OpenSocial is being developed to rival Facebook. Quoting from its website, it is essentially “Google + Everyone Else vs Facebook”. It takes the concept of the Facebook platform and expands it, allowing virtually anyone to contribute because of the lack of a unique markup language that Facebook has. Such a combination of ‘net powers’ to compete with Facebook illustrates its inclination to become the most powerful social networking website, hence the need for the other platform developers to fight back.

 Security issues

Throughout the entire history of online social networking websites, there has always been a threat of online predators lurking around. Initially, Facebook was only meant for Harvard students. It expanded and one had to get an invite in order to join the network. However, now, its free and open to everyone who has access to the internet, which means that both the ignorant and potentially dangerous can join the platform. Referring to the New York Times article on Oct 17, 2007, “To satisfy New York State prosecutors who accused Facebook … of falsely advertising itself as a safe online environment, Facebook yesterday agreed to immediately post sterner warnings about the dangers”. Indeed, all networking websites are grounds for online predators to make their moves, but Facebook has stepped up the measures to provide a safer online environment for its users. “Facebook members will be able to control access to details about themselves they share on the site at a group-level by creating and managing lists of friends that are granted different levels of access to such information.” The credibility of the Facebook team’s proactive efforts have been enhanced through this measure, allowing us to see the measures they have taken in order to create a better online environment for everyone.