Read Write Web has a new article up titled 15 questions for an early Facebook user where as the name suggests, an early Facebook user answers 15 basic questions. Honestly, if you needed me to explain that to you, perhaps you shouldn’t be on the Internet. The point of me linking to this interview, however, is to point out the following two question and answers that I completely agree with. Mainly, they highlight the fact that Facebook’s original users are already lamenting about the “good old days” and wondering why Facebook now sucks so much with their point and cluttery applications.
What is the social impact of Facebook? How did it change the way you keep in touch with your friends?
When Mark Zuckerberg initially launched Facebook, everyone in my age bracket wanted to be on it. The first version didn’t have any of the fancy applications and tools - we could just message, poke and befriend. It was too flat. Who cares how many friends you have on Facebook, it’s not like you can DO anything with them.
When they started to add new features like the wall, photo albums, video capabilities, and groups, people became more interested. But then Facebook took it too far. Now I find Facebook to be a suffocating bombardment of useless applications and features. I prefer an older version of just the basics - messaging, walls, photos and groups.
Now I’m getting invitations to be join Zombies and Vampires, while attending Happy Hour (online). As great as it sounds to accumulate drinks from friends on Facebook, it’s not still as good as having them [offline]! The latest upgrades on Facebook seem to be geared to a younger audience, which doesn’t make sense to me, since nearly 71% of its users are 25 or older.
Facebook messaging is a more casual form of emailing. Private messages are quick and convenient, because they can be sent out to an entire Facebook group that is dedicated to a specific purpose. ‘Wall posts’ are fun and can be interactive. They allow users to not only message their friends, but are also seen by others - this creates a sense of voyeurism where people can observe/keep track of what their friends are saying.
How did the Facebook platform changed enhance your usage of Facebook?
It didn’t enhance my usage. With time, I find myself using Facebook less and less. I check it less frequently.
Amen sister. I’ve always wanted to say that. Anyways, this small sample size only goes to further prove the argument I’ve been making for a while now. Facebook’s original generation is going to soon be leaving it in droves, not because they want to, but because Facebook has left us. Of course, Facebook doesn’t want to roll back the clock and hit the reset button to prevent themselves from releasing these stupid, pointless damn applications. Because that would cost them too much money! But at the same time, they’re going to find themselves in a precarious situation where the number of people who used to be Facebook addicts are now no longer interested in the site.
Of course, people who have only signed up for Facebook in recent years know no difference and don’t quite understand what all the bitching is about, which is understandable. But that doesn’t change the fact that current-Facebook sucks compared to old-Facebook, hands down.
One more quick, personal example. I signed up for Facebook in October 2004. By the time 2005 had rolled around, about 50 of my current friends had joined the site as well. Of them, probably 10 still check it daily and by this summer, I fully expect that number to be smaller than 5. People are getting fed up with all the clutter on Facebook; stupid application boxes, not being able to tell where content stops and ads begin, being alerted every single time one of your friends has a bowel movement.
It all adds up to a very frustrating experience that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.
Facebook, interview
