Facebook has just gotten a little more creepier with its latest
update. It is also causing privacy advocates to question the social media site
further, as it takes stalking one step further. The newest update has made it
possible for people to ask for their friends’ relationship statuses.
The social networking site has always wanted people to share
every detail of their lives. It encourages people to share their work details,
phone number and even relationship status. However, not everyone wants to share
all this—and rightly so. There are many concerns about sharing too much
information online, including real-life stalking and identity fraud.
For those who choose not to share the information, friends will
see an “Ask” button appear. This is for friends to click and find out the
information. The good thing for the user is that he or she will always know who
is asking, and only friends on the site can ask this type of question. There is
(currently) no way for strangers to ask for this type of information, but that
does not mean Facebook is not considering doing this.
When someone clicks on the “ask” button, they will be asked for
a reason. This is something the user will see when they receive the request,
and can then decide whether to share the information or not. It can either be
added to the “about” section and only displayed to the person requesting it, or
sent through a private message.
It just seems like Facebook is getting a little more creepier by
the day. There is always something new added that makes people question why
they are still using the website. Unfortunately, it is still the number one
social media site, and until others become more popular it is the best way for
some people to stay in contact with friends and family members.
The problem is that the social networking site has no concern
about the privacy of others. There is a privacy statement, but that just covers
how the social media giant uses the collected information. It does not cover
how others can use the information when they find it.
There are some who believe that users should not display
information that they do not want shared with others. That would make sense,
but it is now clear that Facebook is implementing ways for others to ask about
the private information.
One problem with the system is that if one person asks and
information shared, that news can be updated should a second person ask. The
change is universal, even if the person requested does not want to share the
updated information with that first requester.
There is no method to turn the new feature off, which makes it
worse. People can be bugged by their friends to find out more information, and
there is no way to stop it from happening. Those who still do not want to share
the information can only ignore the requests.
The change has affected the more sensitive information including
hometown and relationship status. It shows that Facebook is getting a little
more creepier, and there are no signs of stopping.
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