Facebook: friend or bully?
Facebook gives me friends. I have lots of friends on Facebook and that makes me happy. Facebook gives me tools to interact with my friends, including walls, chats, messages, and the always unjustified pokes. However, the medium is not the message when it comes to Facebook. Whereas the content of Facebook is friendly and makes me smile, the actual structure of Facebook makes me sad and constantly reminds me of my worst fears. Do you think I am kidding (of course, I am... but let's pretend I am not for dramatic purposes here)? Well, take a look at this compilation of recent ads that Facebook has sent my way:
Is this the kind of message you would expect from a friend??? Like a horrible bully, Facebook targets me with ads that remind me of my worst fears: I am chubby, old, and single. Lesser mortals with less developed intellects would cry, drink a whole bottle of Drano or slit their writs with a carrot. This is not friendly! I go to Facebook looking for friendship and affection, and this is what I get: a reminder of my worst nightmares... my ending up morbidly obese, ancient, and alone.
Bad Facebook. Bad bully. Shame on you.
Is this the kind of message you would expect from a friend??? Like a horrible bully, Facebook targets me with ads that remind me of my worst fears: I am chubby, old, and single. Lesser mortals with less developed intellects would cry, drink a whole bottle of Drano or slit their writs with a carrot. This is not friendly! I go to Facebook looking for friendship and affection, and this is what I get: a reminder of my worst nightmares... my ending up morbidly obese, ancient, and alone.
Bad Facebook. Bad bully. Shame on you.
Further reasons for me not to start with Facebook. I'm sure I'd get the same ads, but aimed at 36-year-olds.
Posted by: RW | July 09, 2008 at 12:01 PM
I'll second that! Friendfeed is gaining ground, but I have a feeling that even if it becomes almost as popular FB, it'll be commercialized and monetized in the same way. Who knows, maybe there will be (or are) open source versions?
Posted by: Phil | July 09, 2008 at 12:15 PM
OUCH!! That wasn't very nice of Facebook. If it really cared, it would send you links to geographically, educationally, intellectually and socio-economically suitable women.
Of course, let's look on the bright side here...FB did NOT:
Suggest you go to "GreenSingles.com" to find recycled, hippie tree-hugging, love.
Recommend surgical options of any kind for physical improvement.
Hint that your only other hope for love is at "largeandlovely.com"
Infer that 8 cats would really be a good idea.
Send you to Canada to buy drugs that give you up to 36 hours to find "the right moment".
Offer a discount at "Inches-A-Weigh".
So, like RW, I'll be avoiding Facebook too! I'd be really afraid of what it would try to tell me (get more cats, buy herbal peri-menopause hair removal treatments, find love at "evenyoungerboyfriend.com"). Yup, I'm staying away from Facebook.
On the moving front: T-minus 23 hours until the big truck comes. Very tired and bored of packing. Cat caravan leaves Friday at 2 pm....one rented minivan, me and Earl J., and 8 howling animals. Contemplate that over an 1100 mile journey.
Posted by: LP | July 09, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Oh, Carlos. That's funny. I don't think you're old or fat. I'm going to start paying attention to what kind of ads Facebook sends to me. Will let you know...
Posted by: Billie | July 09, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Facebook just keeps trying to sell me Eddie Izzard tickets. Course, MySpace feels the need to advertise for bond bailsmen and Jane Austen on my pages.
(Geez, mention the possibility of having a friend bail you out of jail...JUST ONCE).
Posted by: miranda | July 09, 2008 at 11:15 PM