Facebook To Add Instant Messaging Service and Change Privacy Options
Facebook announced a few days ago some news that’s sure to rock the socks of its users worldwide – the number two social networking site will be introducing an instant messaging service, in addition to new privacy options, within the next two weeks.
This announcement comes in the wake of a Facebook backlash, spurred by all the spamming that went along with their recent Beacon advertising model. Facebook is clearly looking for ways to win back their users – and it seems to me like they’re on the right track.
The instant messaging service will be a default application in every user’s account, enabling friends to check which of their friends are online. And of course, friends can chat with each other live, or more aptly, “instantly.” This service will be yet another step forward in Facebook’s effort to make their network more addictive than crack cocaine. New Facebook groups related to the IM service are already springing up, such as: “Facebook Introduces Instant Messaging: I’ll NEVER Be Productive Again!!!”
As for the new privacy options, users will now be able to limit the viewing of their profiles to friends and friends of friends. This is a similar scenario to LinkedIn, where information is only visible only to first degree, or second degree contacts. Essentially, Facebook is empowering users with a great ability to filter who can and who cannot access their information.
Keep up the good work, Facebook. We’ll be watching.
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