Do the architects of social media platforms believe users are incapable of knowing what’s good for them?

The evidence seems to indicate that.

It’s Your Choice – Sort Of

Right on the heels of my post on unannounced changes by various social media platforms, I learned of yet another Facebook change.

While reading the local newspaper, The Idaho Statesman, I came across an article about the change, Scam Alert: Sure, I use Facebook, but I still want some privacy.

No, the writer is not accusing Facebook of a scam. It is the regular column for the local Better Business Bureau – although it would not be surprising if scam artists figured out some way to profit off the latest change.

Places Everyone

The new feature is Places.

It tracks your location through your smart phone and lets your Friends know where you are – like the local Starbucks.

The problem with Places is that other applications have access to that information – so now they know where you eat, shop, hang out.

Are you starting to see the problem here? Wait, it gets better.

• The default setting in Facebook allows this feature automatically
• Your Friends can check you into this feature

When I accessed my privacy settings, I noticed this statement:

“There is a false rumor that Facebook shares your location without your knowledge or consent.”

The first time your friend checks you in, you receive notification, which you can decline to share.

You know what, Facebook? That’s annoying.

Let Us Decide How Cool We Are

Undoubtedly, the creators of Places, thought it would be cool and hip to let your Friends know where you are. I am sure my use of the phrase “cool and hip” shows just how out of touch I am in that regard.

The really annoying aspect for me is the assumption that I want this feature.

One would think after all the flak Facebook received on its privacy settings, we would not have this problem.

Here’s an idea – send a simple communication outlining options.

That goes for any social media platform.

When Did We Lose Control?

I believe we humans have a fundamental need for control – like breathing and eating.

We don’t like when we lose control or it is taken from us.

I have been yelling at Microsoft Word for years to “Stop thinking for me.”

I appreciate the incredible competitiveness of technology. I marvel at the creative genius. All I ask is let me decide if I want your latest hot feature.

Do not default our choices.

By letting us decide what we want and when, maybe Facebook would not have the need to post defensive statements about false rumors.

What do you think about automatic defaults and changes that social media platforms make?

P.S. If you want instructions on changing the default settings of Places,click on this link => Editing Facebook Places Settings.

i-Stock Photo Credit TPopova

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