The world's largest social network made quite a stir recently when they announced Facebook Graph Searches.
The new feature is essentially like a Google search, but specifically for friends and their interests. It's being touted as a way to discover similar interests, hobbies and likes with your friend list and beyond.
Facebook Graph Searches sound like a great idea, but one doesn't have to think too hard about all the ways that this can be a little creepy and lend credence to instances of cyber-stalking. This idea is brought to light in hilarious fashion by comedy site Slacktory's exploration of the inappropriate and strangely specific possibilities.
Hopefully Facebook will come up with a way to make this new feature slightly less creepy.
Funny Facebook Graph Searches
'Slacktory' Explores the Inappropriate Uses of Graph Search
Trend Themes
-
Privacy Preserving Graph Search — The need for privacy preserving graph search functionalities that protect user data while still enhancing discovery and recommendations within social networks.
-
Alternate Graph Search Uses — The exploration and development of alternate graph search uses beyond user discovery to drive social commerce or help users find housing and job opportunities based on location, interests and skills.
-
Graph Search Analytics — The analysis of graph search data to understand user behavior, preferences and interests, and to improve personalization and targeting in ads by providing more relevant content and recommendations.
Industry Implications
-
Social Media — Social media platforms can develop privacy preserving graph search functionalities and alternate graph search uses for their users that enhance user experience while still protecting privacy.
-
E-commerce — E-commerce companies can leverage graph search analytics to better understand user behavior and preferences, and to provide more relevant product recommendations and advertising to their users.
-
Marketing and Advertising — Marketing and advertising agencies can use graph search analytics to gain deeper insights into target audiences and to develop more effective campaigns that resonate with their interests and preferences.