Tara's Blog

While reading the Neiman Reports article on social networking, I found the section that specifically focused on Facebook connect quite intriguing. Before reading this article, I was completely unaware that such a feature existed, since I’ve never heard of Facebook connect. After doing a little googling, I now have a better understanding of why this feature is so helpful and important for the future of social networking.

For those of you who are also unaware, Facebook connect allows users to log into other types of websites to share information with those sites, as well as friends on facebook. For example, users can use their facebook login information to log onto Vimeo.com. From here, your vimeo uploads, tags and likes will not only appear on vimeo, but also in your facebook news feed for your facebook friends to see. Other websites that integrate with facebook connect include CNN the forum, Workstir, Mediawiki and Joost. I also found this wordpress.com facebook connect app! By installing this plugin to your wordpress blog, your can share your blog updates and comments with your facebook friends.

The Neiman Reports article points out how helpful facebook connect can be for the other websites. Gordon writes that news sources tapped into the resource of linking to other sites. However, facebook connect works as social networking advertising, so others can view information that the sites offer, as well as having the option to directly go to the website.

Simply put, Facebook connect is free advertising. When YouTube added this feature in December 2008, the average facebook user watched 30% more videos and wrote 15% more comments on the videos. Ever watched a YouTube video that one of your friends posted on Facebook? That’s the result of facebook connect. Facebook users post information offered by these sites directly on facebook, so that other users may be able to enjoy and participate in that website.

1. What are some privacy issues that Facebook Connect deals with since these other sites now have access to a Facebook users information?

2. How does Facebook Connect pose issues with search engines such as Google.com and Bing.com?