4 Reasons I Hate Facebook’s New Timeline View

The Difficulty of Change and Facebook's Timeline

Adapting to change can be a significant challenge. Even seemingly minor alterations, such as selecting a different brand of socks when a preferred one is out of stock, can prove surprisingly difficult.

This process often involves considerable deliberation, despite the eventual outcome being largely inconsequential, as most socks tend to feel similar after a period of wear.

Initial Reaction to the Timeline Feature

Considering this personal tendency, the introduction of Facebook’s Timeline feature triggered a particularly strong reaction. The change was initially met with considerable frustration and a sense of unease.

The perception was that the new feature was both irritating and superfluous. Several key reasons contributed to this negative assessment.

Reasons for Disapproval

• The Timeline represented an unwanted alteration to a familiar and previously satisfactory interface.
• It was viewed as an unnecessary complication to the core functionality of Facebook.
• Concerns were raised regarding the potential for the feature to disrupt established user habits.

Ultimately, the introduction of the Timeline served as a stark reminder of the inherent difficulty many individuals experience when confronted with change, even within the digital realm.

A Disconnect Between Feature and User Need

Observing the rollout of business projects that prioritize internal goals over user experience is consistently revealing. Companies often attempt to legitimize these initiatives with broad claims regarding the benefits they will deliver to their customer base.

Zuckerberg’s Vision for Timeline

Consider the perspective offered by Mr. Zuckerberg himself.

[embed width=580px]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67PFmVvqDs[/embed]

He proclaimed, “Timeline is the story of your life.”

Questioning the Core Purpose

This assertion prompts a reevaluation of Facebook’s fundamental purpose. Initially, the platform served as a space to connect with acquaintances, monitor relationship statuses, and reconnect with individuals from one’s past. Is it now intended to be a comprehensive life narrative?

The statement continues: “All your stories. All your apps. In a new way to express who you are.”

The Notion of Self-Expression

While Facebook, like any communication medium, facilitates expression, the claim feels misapplied. Many users do not share extensive personal narratives on the platform. Furthermore, the applications utilized are rarely intended as statements of identity.

Data Collection Concerns

Zuckerberg further stated, “Here are all the years of my life, right here.” (referring to his own Timeline).

This raises concerns about the data collection implications. The true value of Timeline, realistically, likely resides in the advertising data it enables the platform to gather.

A Feature Without Appeal

While the concept of viewing a chronological representation of someone’s online activity possesses a certain novelty, it doesn’t align with the primary reasons for using Facebook.

Many users simply do not desire this feature. It offers no discernible value and is, quite frankly, unwanted.

A Dislike for Facebook’s Dual-Column Layout

My primary concern regarding the design of Facebook’s Timeline centers around its structure.

From a young age, most individuals in Western cultures are accustomed to reading content in a left-to-right and top-to-bottom manner.

The Problem with the Two-Column Design

Initially, Timeline presents a single column containing information, which is perfectly acceptable. However, this is followed by a two-column layout that appears somewhat disorganized.

Users are expected to navigate this layout by following small arrows that connect information blocks to points on the timeline, requiring a diagonal, zig-zag reading pattern. Furthermore, the two uppermost information boxes on the right side are not integrated into the timeline itself; their placement seems arbitrary.

Unnecessary Complexity

The perplexing aspect of this design is its lack of necessity. A chronological order can be effectively achieved with a single list of items.

Existing wall posts are already arranged in a largely chronological fashion. The apparent motivation for the two-column format seems solely to emphasize the visual representation of a timeline.

Solutions and Concerns

Thankfully, developers have created browser extensions to revert the page to a single-column view.

However, the question remains: Facebook, what was the rationale behind this design choice?

Here's a breakdown of the issues:

• Disrupts established reading patterns.
• Introduces unnecessary visual complexity.
• The two-column format doesn't enhance information organization.
• The design prioritizes visual effect over usability.

Concerns Regarding User Privacy

The Timeline feature repeatedly prompts users to share additional personal details. While presented as a means of self-expression, this practice undoubtedly benefits Facebook financially.

Consequently, individuals are encouraged to disclose information to both acquaintances and strangers. This is data that many users may prefer to keep confidential.

Privacy Controls and User Responsibility

Although tools exist to manage privacy settings and remove content, the responsibility for maintaining privacy consistently falls upon the user. Facebook appears to operate under the assumption that information is public unless explicitly designated otherwise.

Questionable Trust in Facebook

Justification for trusting Facebook is lacking. The company is approaching an Initial Public Offering (IPO), and despite its popularity, remains a relatively new and unestablished business.

Consider the potential consequences of a change in leadership. What if the IPO is unsuccessful, and investors demand increased profitability regardless of ethical considerations?

The Risk of Prioritizing Profit

Throughout history, the pursuit of profit has led numerous companies to engage in actions that were dangerous, unethical, and even unlawful. There is no reason to anticipate a different outcome from Facebook.

Profit motives have repeatedly compromised the safety and integrity of businesses. Expecting Facebook to deviate from this pattern would be unrealistic.

Ultimately, the consistent push for more user data, coupled with the company’s relatively unproven track record, raises legitimate privacy concerns.

The Inevitable Arrival of Timeline

The new Timeline feature is being rolled out, and its presence is becoming increasingly visible on the profiles of Facebook users. It’s possible you’ve already experienced the transition yourself. However, even attempts to avoid it will ultimately prove futile.

Timeline’s implementation is unavoidable. But why is resistance pointless? The reason lies in the core design principles of this update.

Timeline was fundamentally created to enhance Facebook’s revenue streams. Greater integration with applications and expanded data gathering practices directly correlate with increased potential for financial gain.

Offering Timeline as an optional feature would undermine these objectives, a fact that is readily apparent to those managing the company’s finances.

While understanding the rationale behind the change doesn’t lessen the personal impact, it does provide a degree of clarity.

Understanding the Financial Motivations

The driving force behind Timeline isn’t simply about improving user experience. Increased app integration allows for more targeted advertising opportunities.

Furthermore, the expanded data collection provides Facebook with a more comprehensive understanding of user behavior, which can be monetized in various ways.

These factors combine to create a compelling business case for mandatory adoption.

• More data leads to better ad targeting.
• App integration expands revenue possibilities.
• A mandatory rollout maximizes financial impact.

Ultimately, the decision to implement Timeline wasn’t based on user preference, but on financial strategy.

A Shift in Social Networking Preferences

Facebook’s recently introduced Timeline feature has prompted a reevaluation of my social media habits. Despite maintaining an account on Google+, it hasn't been my go-to platform for social networking.

However, this situation may be on the verge of alteration.

Considering Alternatives

The changes implemented with Timeline are causing me to reconsider my online presence. It’s possible that Google+ will soon become my primary social networking destination.

Seeking Community Input

I am curious to gauge the broader reaction to these changes. Do others share my concerns regarding the new Facebook Timeline?

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Your feedback is valuable and will contribute to a wider understanding of this evolving landscape.

• Are you experiencing similar frustrations with the Timeline update?
• Is this prompting you to explore alternative social networks?
• Let us know your perspective!

Social media is constantly evolving, and user feedback is crucial in shaping its future.