Facebook 'Subscriptions', Stalking 2.0?
Facebook has recently made a new addition to their steadily advancing interface. It is called 'Subscription.' It works similarly to the basic idea of "Twitter." The Subscribe feature gives the user the ability to keep track of updates without actually "friending"someone. All you have to do is simply hit the Subscribe button next to the Add Friend button on any given page. The subscriber can choose what type of updates will be visible on his or her news feed. Types of updates include anything from "All Updates" to the more specific, individual updates such as "Photos" or "Events." All subscription updates will show up on the users news feed similarly along-side the stream of friend updates.
Sound creepy? Don't worry. All Facebook users are given the option to turn subscription on or off. Users are also given the ability to regulate what type of updates are released to subscribers. Nonetheless, this feature will undoubtedly be added to the already heated privacy controversy of Facebook.
Facebook is continuing to add new features on a consistent basis and this move is viewed as part of the growing competition with Google+. But is this new feature really necessary? That is the question. The Subscribe button could definitely serve useful in keeping tabs on one's favorite celebrities or journalists, almost in a "Facebook alternative to Twitter" way. So perhaps there are some certain permissible and beneficial situations for this new feature, but for the most part, it seems to be just another facilitator for stalkers too scared to actually "friend.
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