Social Networking Overkill?

Rumor has it that Facebook may be building a phone.  As we’ve talked about in class, Facebook must be feeling the pressure to expand deeper into the IT world. 

Let’s discuss some pros and cons from the article, “The Five Pros and Cons of a Facebook Phone.”

Pros:

·         Everything is already built – I think the author get this one right.  It is definitely true that we love to text rather than call.  This could definitely be the basis for the phone.

·         Social Feeds are Popular – Every phone nowadays has its own form of a social feed.  Why not take the biggest social network of them all and put it into a phone?

·         Facebook has Sex Appeal – Well that’s one way to put it.  I think what’s really going on with this pro is that Facebook is recognizable.  You can look at the format without any text and know exactly what you’re looking at.  It’s reached a level of brand recognition.

Cons:

·         Other Apps Shut Out – The article brings up a good point.  A phone needs apps, something more than just a social feed.  Is Facebook ready to give up that space to others?

·         Privacy Concerns – Facebook has had problems with privacy violations before.  What makes this time different especially if the phone can do a whole lot more than just socializing?

·         Facebook Will Surely Get Old and Tired – I’m already tired of Facebook!  I was on for maybe less than a year and that was that.  I guess I’m an active rejector.

Facebook is trying to open its doors to a new playing ground.  I guess we’ll just have to see how well it works.