Poll: Half of Americans Call Facebook a Fad

dr.kevin said:
are you drawn by the convenience of facebook and the fact that it gives you your own free webpage where you can post pics.....?

because photobucket has allowed you to share photos since the beginning of time, way before FB did


actually, this is a question for everyone. FB has merely combined all the shit we used to use into one website. Is that why people use it?

I only use it for the coupons and deals.... e.g amex discounts. But that was not the original intent of facebook.
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Facebook is nice because it lets you see all your friends' pictures in one place. I have a few friends who are photographers and they do have their own websites which I'd never actually bother checking unless they specifically told me "hey I took some new photos you might like" or "did you see the pictures I posted 6 months ago". But since they've started posting them on facebook I'm more prompted to actually look at them, next to the random pictures my other friends and family post.

I still use imageshack myself, mostly for uploading pictures of the miniatures I've painted for posting in forums rather than for linking to friends for them to check out the album itself.

Horses for courses I say, imageshack and photobucket have their places, but facebook offers a nice alternative for sharing photos among a group of friends.
nobody_here said:
The truth is facebook offers mostly nothing that wasn't already available through other means. Facebook because a popular thing to do, that's what really fed into it. But you can do everything you do on facebook without it, and without being a shill for corporate america which in the end is truly all Facebook is now, a corporate treasure trove of all your most personal daily details, if you put them up. Honestly, how fucking lazy are we with cellphones all attached to our hips that we can't call, text, or email people...or you know, actually talk to them in person......honestly society in america today is a big fucking apathetic miserable excuse for life and I hate it as a whole. Society at large makes me fucking ill. Facebook is the "face" of the apathy that is taking us by storm. It's one of many reasons we are fat, lazy, and are willing to sell our freedom and souls to corporate america. Facebook by itself is not to blame. It's a vehicle. But it brings out the worst in people. That's why Facebook is worthless to me.
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Again I think it comes down to your personal issues with communication in your family/friends that you feel that way rather than facebook. I still call people, people still call me, I still email people, people still email me. Facebook is just another level of communication, slightly above nodding your head at someone you know as you pass them in the street and slightly below actually singling them out for communication via email/phone/talking.

It's not the face of apathy at all, in fact most the people I communicate with on Facebook ARE the people I also see face to face all the time at work or go to the pub with or whatever. But it also lets me stay in touch with people I would never otherwise see like my cousins in India and England, or my mate who is currently traveling around Europe. People who I, sitting here in Australia, would pretty much never ring/email/see in person and would never communicate with if they weren't on FB. When it comes to those people if it weren't for FB it usually just happens that I might send a few emails back and forth and then never talk again for another 5 years.

You're just trying to project your own lack of communication amongst your friends/family on to facebook, where as it'd be my guess even if facebook didn't exist those people would probably never contact you anyway, I'm sorry to say.
 
I don't get why people have such active hatred for Facebook, if you don't like it no one is forcing you to use it.
 
Tudz said:
You're just trying to project your own lack of communication amongst your friends/family on to facebook, where as it'd be my guess even if facebook didn't exist those people would probably never contact you anyway, I'm sorry to say.
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You missed the part where I prefaced my post by saying exactly that....at least in our family, we don't bother each other and we live states apart. We are not one of those traditional tight knit families. That's not the issue, if anything it would make it more acceptable. The fact that they had life changing events and could not be bothered to pick up a phone and call and only felt obligated to make a very impersonal lazy Facebook wall post is what bothers me. Also as mentioned, I make a point to reach out to them. Then they post something on Facebook knowing I don't subscribe to that corporate data mining operation and feel like they have done their due diligence.
 
I see facebook has now been added to the [H] hate bandwagon. If it is successful it must be bad amirite? .... sounds like hipster logic to me.
 
GoldenTiger said:
There is a greater impact than just "use it or don't use it" in the real world.
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It's really no different than the impact of not owning a phone or not using email. It inhibits your ability to communicate with people, but that is not Facebook's fault — it is yours.
 
Dekoth-E- said:
Blocking it on your network is stupidity. You may not like it, but your kids are going to use it no matter what you think. Accept it for what it is, and demand they give you access so you can keep tabs on them. If anything it just makes tracking them far easier.

I don't personally use FB and have zero intention or reason to ever do so. However my wifes does and I am sure my kids will. It makes it amazingly easy on me to track their activities.
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I envy you arab people and your multiple wives :D
 
MrGuvernment said:
i assume they mean half of American's cause they polloed like 1000 people and 500 said yes it is a fad :rolleyes:
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It's statistics brosef.

To obtain a confidence level of ~95% in the results of a national poll, you need only randomly sample 1000 people. Having done so, we can expect that if the same question were asked of the entire population of 313 million, the results would at most vary by +/- 3.1%. That's fairly accurate.
 
Hamish Campbell said:
It's statistics brosef.

To obtain a confidence level of ~95% in the results of a national poll, you need only randomly sample 1000 people. Having done so, we can expect that if the same question were asked of the entire population of 313 million, the results would at most vary by +/- 3.1%. That's fairly accurate.
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I'm not sure I'd call it fairly accurate, you have to take into account the group which you are polling. They were done with random phone calls, which should get a random group, yet then you have to ask yourself who are the sorts of people who actually answer telephone polls? I know I never do, so people with my personality, thoughts and opinions would be overlooked.

They do add correction factors for things like sex and age, and that article does break down results by age (though doesn't give a good description of the question being asked or the possible responses)... but I always question the validity of polls.
 
ManofGod said:
"The hatred in this one is strong." (Says in best Darth Vader voice.) :D
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No, I just am not blind to the bigger picture as some seem to be ;). I have always thought the whole facebook idea was silly back when it first launched even.
 
wonderfield said:
It's really no different than the impact of not owning a phone or not using email. It inhibits your ability to communicate with people, but that is not Facebook's fault — it is yours.
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Not when the people have so many forms of communication available. I carry a smartphone that has instant email on two accounts, texting and the good old fashioned phone call method. Facebook is the vehicle that is allowing people to take the even lazier way out, because they cannot be bothered while simultaneously putting all their business out there to one extent or another. That's why I have disdain for Facebook. It just exasperates the apathetic useless nature of most people these days.

It's not like I am asking them to write a fucking letter in calligraphy on parchment, seal it with wax and deliver via horseback. It is far more unreasonable to expect someone who prefers not to join some "popular social website" that is ate the fuck up with corporate data mining practices when that person already has common instant methods of communication stuck to their hip 24/7. It's not like I am refusing to buy into the internet, cell phones or television. I am refusing to be a part of what is clearly not "just a convenient way to get in touch" because several other convenient methods to get in touch already exist. Getting them to use what is already there and on their hip 24/7 is not unreasonable at all. I am not asking them to join anything or change anything they are already doing. Just pick up the fucking phone and call.
 
nobody_here said:
Not when the people have so many forms of communication available. I carry a smartphone that has instant email on two accounts, texting and the good old fashioned phone call method. Facebook is the vehicle that is allowing people to take the even lazier way out (same can be said for the methods you like too) , because they cannot be bothered while simultaneously putting all their business out there to one extent or another (your biased opinion). That's why I have disdain for Facebook. It just exasperates the apathetic useless nature of most people these days (I don't think exasperates was the word you were looking for. Intensifies or worsen possibly?).

It's not like I am asking them to write a fucking letter in calligraphy on parchment, seal it with wax and deliver via horseback (drive over to everyone's house for communication instead of texting or emailing. Stop being so lazy. It exasperates me to no end). It is far more unreasonable to expect someone who prefers not to join some "popular social website" that is ate the fuck up with corporate data mining practices when that person already has common instant methods of communication stuck to their hip 24/7 (Obviously not and the numbers speak for themselves). It's not like I am refusing to buy into the internet, cell phones or television (You mean the real reasons people have became so inactive?). I am refusing to be a part of what is clearly not "just a convenient way to get in touch" because several other convenient methods to get in touch already exist (not the easiest though). Getting them to use what is already there and on their hip 24/7 is not unreasonable at all. I am not asking them to join anything or change anything they are already doing. Just pick up the fucking phone and call.
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Now I don't like FB either but I seem to know what it's used for far better then you do. None (none) of those methods you mentioned would allow you to inform as many people as fast in comparison to FB. Not a phone call, email, text, etc. FB is useful which is why it's used. Also, the problems you mentioned with "people" have been around and won't be going anywhere. So there must be an underlying cause to your disdain with how people are communicating. Look at yourself, not others.
 
nobody_here said:
It just exasperates the apathetic useless nature of most people these days.
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The apathy train runs both ways. If you had an interest in the lives of your family who supposedly communicate solely by FB you could just create a FB account and put no data on it (you can't be data mined if you give them no data).

Also how do you know they're being apathetic? Maybe they're calling up lots of people and lots of people are calling them in regards to news... just not calling you because of an already strained line of communication. I never knew my cousin's wife was pregnant and gave birth until they told their mum (my aunty) who told my dad who then in turn told me, then I proceeded to call them and congratulate them, not to bitch about how they never rang me personally. They might have put pictures on FB, I dunno, I don't have that particular cousin on my FB.
 
Fads can span a decade.
just because it doesn't look like a fad now doesn't mean it won't end in 5 years.

remember Members-only jackets from the 80's ?

millions of people may be using FB, but they don't seem to bring value where it counts to investors.
 
AnonymousUser said:
Now I don't like FB either but I seem to know what it's used for far better then you do. None (none) of those methods you mentioned would allow you to inform as many people as fast in comparison to FB. Not a phone call, email, text, etc. FB is useful which is why it's used. Also, the problems you mentioned with "people" have been around and won't be going anywhere. So there must be an underlying cause to your disdain with how people are communicating. Look at yourself, not others.
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thats hogshit.....I pull up Handcent, check the five people I want to send a text to, and type one text, hit send, done.......now everybody knows to call me about the important event....it takes less time than logging into facebook and waiting for all the bullshit to load
 
Tudz said:
The apathy train runs both ways. If you had an interest in the lives of your family who supposedly communicate solely by FB you could just create a FB account and put no data on it (you can't be data mined if you give them no data).

Also how do you know they're being apathetic? Maybe they're calling up lots of people and lots of people are calling them in regards to news... just not calling you because of an already strained line of communication. I never knew my cousin's wife was pregnant and gave birth until they told their mum (my aunty) who told my dad who then in turn told me, then I proceeded to call them and congratulate them, not to bitch about how they never rang me personally. They might have put pictures on FB, I dunno, I don't have that particular cousin on my FB.
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I am talking about my brother, not my several times removed cousin. You guys are full of excuses to be on facebook when it is completely unnecessary. Good fucking thing I don't have more than 5 friends eh? I will tell you guys something. I am old enough to know and have been there.....you can count your true friends on one hand and I don't even tell those 5 people what I do day to day.
 
dr.kevin said:
Fads can span a decade.
just because it doesn't look like a fad now doesn't mean it won't end in 5 years.

remember Members-only jackets from the 80's ?

millions of people may be using FB, but they don't seem to bring value where it counts to investors.
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omg, i wore a members only jacket....although it was a hand me down from goodwill most likely
 
85% of Americans are religious and a large % don't believe in evolution either. I wouldn't call America a bastion of intelligent thought.
 
nobody_here said:
thats hogshit.....I pull up Handcent, check the five people I want to send a text to, and type one text, hit send, done.......now everybody knows to call me about the important event....it takes less time than logging into facebook and waiting for all the bullshit to load
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FB is one of someones homepages to their always on PC. So they move the mouse or click a key to awaken their screen. Their browser is already up because they leave it up (just like myself) and click the FB tab on their browser, click login as their info is already saved. Make a post and anyone and everyone can see it. No, your way is not easier, not to get to all of the people that one has friended on FB. Which is dozens, hundreds, possibly even thousands.

So to reiterate...move mouse, click FB tab, type post. Everyone sees it.

As for something important, FB can be great for getting crucial information out there too but we weren't talking about the super important stuff so it's irrelevant.
 
wonderfield said:
Is being here necessary for you? If not, why are you here?
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This is an internet forum board that caters to pc enthusiasts. I did not realize one had to succumb to the corporate scumbag Facebook in order to justify one's existence at HardOCP.....what a strange connection you have tried to make
 
AnonymousUser said:
FB is one of someones homepages to their always on PC. So they move the mouse or click a key to awaken their screen. Their browser is already up because they leave it up (just like myself) and click the FB tab on their browser, click login as their info is already saved. Make a post and anyone and everyone can see it. No, your way is not easier, not to get to all of the people that one has friended on FB. Which is dozens, hundreds, possibly even thousands.

So to reiterate...move mouse, click FB tab, type post. Everyone sees it.

As for something important, FB can be great for getting crucial information out there too but we weren't talking about the super important stuff so it's irrelevant.
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hahaha, because most of my family and friends are sitting a t a damn computer all day long with Facebook as their homepage and their pc is always on and they always leave their browser up and they always let their browser save their passwords...and you think this is more reasonable than a simple one time text on a cell phone they have with them anywhere and everywhere?

please bro, stop, it hurts.....the humor....
 
nobody_here said:
This is an internet forum board that caters to pc enthusiasts. I did not realize one had to succumb to the corporate scumbag Facebook in order to justify one's existence at HardOCP.....what a strange connection you have tried to make
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You did not answer the questions. Try it again.
 
nobody_here said:
hahaha, because most of my family and friends are sitting a t a damn computer all day long (didn't say that) with Facebook as their homepage (easy to do) and their pc is always on (Lots of people use the sleep option on their PC's) and they always leave their browser up (I know, so far fetched of a concept) and they always let their browser save their passwords (Another far fetched one, I KNOW!!!)...and you think this is more reasonable than a simple one time text on a cell phone (Smartphones and installing apps to mass text,email, etc are the easiest thing in the world to do, right! Gotcha!) they have with them anywhere and everywhere (FB app on phone?)?

please bro, stop, it hurts.....the humor....(and the ignorance, on your part)
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What a cop out. You're lame. I can see why no one contacts you now.

Good-Day!
 
nobody_here said:
This is an internet forum board that caters to pc enthusiasts. I did not realize one had to succumb to the corporate scumbag Facebook in order to justify one's existence at HardOCP.....what a strange connection you have tried to make
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This, plus as far as I know HardOCP doesn't track your web browsing on any page that has a Facebook "Like" button or cookie on it.
 
Facebook is great. Only closeted, friendless, socially awkward, and neckbearded types would avoid it. Also, I just read this status update: "I just bought 16 large boxes of Vagisil at BJ's and saved a ton of money. Winning." And I am better for it. You're either in or out, and if you're not in, you're definitely out. And if you're out, you're probably in dire need of some sunlight, shaving cream, exercise, and green vegetables. Hear ye, hear ye. Cool people and grandmothers use Facebook, it's the thing. Be there or be square, yo.
 
ArbY said:
Facebook is great. Only closeted, friendless, socially awkward, and neckbearded types would avoid it. Also, I just read this status update: "I just bought 16 large boxes of Vagisil at BJ's and saved a ton of money. Winning." And I am better for it. You're either in or out, and if you're not in, you're definitely out. And if you're out, you're probably in dire need of some sunlight, shaving cream, exercise, and green vegetables. Hear ye, hear ye. Cool people and grandmothers use Facebook, it's the thing. Be there or be square, yo.
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the bridge everyone is jumping off of is over there -> enjoy being as ignorant to the truth as the bulk of society, you'll fit right in
 
Helicopter said:
I don't get why people have such active hatred for Facebook, if you don't like it no one is forcing you to use it.
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I don't use facebook, even though I, along with many other people, are considered to be members. (Certain sites or other promotions which want you to sign up for them).

The hubris of their business practices is what irritates me the most. The site itself is not entirely too useable. It may have been, but it's gotten worse with each iteration. But I guess, that's what the public wants.

I see the current IPO as a chance for a few of the early people to become extremely wealthy at the expense of the many undereducated masses of investors.
 
nobody_here said:
I am talking about my brother, not my several times removed cousin. You guys are full of excuses to be on facebook when it is completely unnecessary. Good fucking thing I don't have more than 5 friends eh? I will tell you guys something. I am old enough to know and have been there.....you can count your true friends on one hand and I don't even tell those 5 people what I do day to day.
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It's not my several times removed cousin, it's my first cousin who lives less than 1.5 hours drive away and from the sounds of things we have better communication that you and your brother. My sisters and I all are on facebook and we all talk on the phone and we all email each other, not every day, but I speak to each of them prolly once or twice a month on average.

We're full of excuses when it's completely unnecessary? You're the one full of irrational hatred. You keep making FB out to be things it's not and using it as an excuse to hate it. You have such poor communication with your brother that he didn't inform you about the birth of his kid and because of that somehow FB exacerbates apathy? You see people putting information up there which there is no requirement to do and so FB is data mining? You shit can people who "put all their business out there" even though it only makes up a small percentage of people actually on it?

Yeah, I agree, really close friends I probably have, I dunno, 3 or 4. But I actually communicate with a whole lot more than that, with or without facebook and FB is a useful for keeping in touch with them. I like to keep in touch with my other friends even though they may not be in my close circle of friends... and I dont (and I suggest most people using FB don't) share what I do day to day on FB. The few who do, I mostly just ignore it, kinda like coming to [H] I mostly just ignore threads that don't interest me.

If you don't like communicating with people outside your 5 close friends then fine, FB clearly isn't for you, just ignore it and quit yer bitch'n that people aren't communicating with you because of FB and that somehow they're apathetic when YOU'RE the one choosing to ignore their communication.
 
How would anyone argue that it's not a fad? I guess 'fad' is a bad work, but like all things in life, Facebook cannot stay on top forever.

I'm not knocking the hard work and diligence that Mr. Z or any of his staff have put into it, it just amazes me that a social media company can be worth so much. It's not like an actual good is being produced, but I guess a service is. These are the new time we live in though, eventually the majority of software will be considered SaaS...and that worries me.
 
Master Blaster said:
How would anyone argue that it's not a fad? I guess 'fad' is a bad work, but like all things in life, Facebook cannot stay on top forever.

I'm not knocking the hard work and diligence that Mr. Z or any of his staff have put into it, it just amazes me that a social media company can be worth so much. It's not like an actual good is being produced, but I guess a service is. These are the new time we live in though, eventually the majority of software will be considered SaaS...and that worries me.
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I don't think it's a fad because it's a communications tool, like Skype, Live Messenger and emails. It's too integrated in everyone's and most business owners' life to just go away. It's tight smart phone integration allows people to take Facebook with them everywhere.

Will Facebook go out of business or bankrupt some day? Maybe. But it's not going to fade away because it's a fad. It'll go away just like Apple, Microsoft, Google and IBM would.
 
Azhar said:
I don't think it's a fad because it's a communications tool, like Skype, Live Messenger and emails. It's too integrated in everyone's and most business owners' life to just go away. It's tight smart phone integration allows people to take Facebook with them everywhere.

Will Facebook go out of business or bankrupt some day? Maybe. But it's not going to fade away because it's a fad. It'll go away just like Apple, Microsoft, Google and IBM would.
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Most businesses I know block sites like facebook. Regardless, what type of communication tool is it really, and how does/will it justify its worth?

Remember, just being a communication tool doesn't mean it will stay on top forever. At one point, friendster was the social network of choice and icq was the messenger of choice. Both of those have been surplanted. But even tools such as the Blackberry, which was the business tool of choice several years ago, can be blown into oblivion fairly quickly.

And it doesn't always require the next big thing to make these things happen. Bad business decisions can quickly destroy a userbase.
 
I don't think anyone's arguing that Facebook is going to last forever, as nothing does. Given how long it's been on top, though, is it really sensible to call it a "fad"? Given how people will normally interpret that word, I don't think the term fits.
 
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