The author of this article brings up some major concerns and good points about the danger of being connected via social media. He makes the reader aware that advertising is the real customer of the service or site, not the user. Websites such as Google, Facebook, and Digg, use information provided by the user to give specific advertising on their homepage. According to the author, this takes away from a free and clear learning environment. One specific example the author uses is the "like" button on facebook. Will there ever be a "dislike" button? The answer is NO! The reason behind this is because advertisers will not want users to "dislike" them and have the ability to give negative feedback on them. If these sites were about learning and connectivity, then the "dislike" button would be a no brainier and be used accordingly by the user of thing they truly liked and disliked.
Q 1: Why can't we educate the user about this information instead of shying away from it?
A 1: I think the author is absolutely on point with what these sites are trying to do, but I do not agree that it is enough of a deterrent for people not to make use of these sites to their advantage. Using the internet can been a very dangerous and confusing place to be, but if educated and monitored properly, the sky is the limit.
Q 2: Why doesn't the author see that this is business as usual?
A 2: This is business marketing 101. You have the right not to click on those links that the company is advertising. No one is forcing anyone to click anywhere. If they are annoying and you don't like to use them, then create another service that accomplishes the same thing and do not use ads. This is what business do all the time and people need to keep up to speed. It is up to the user to use their discretion on how to surf the internet and use websites with caution.
No comments:
Post a Comment