I’ve probably mentioned before that I don’t do social search. It irritates me, I want new results not what my connections share, like or circle etc. So, when Facebook announced Graph Search on a personal level I was pretty ambivalent. Graph Search definitely falls into the “whatever” category for me.
There is a but…
I do see the potential for local businesses who have pages on Facebook and blogged about how to take advantage of the new Graph Search.
The other side is of course, privacy.
Creepy search has begun
As Facebook rolls out the new Graph Search to English (US) users, reports of its potential uses have started to surface.
Fellow UBC blogger Denys at Kelly Pro Media has access to Graph Search and blogged her first impressions.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, she noted just how much people can find by using the new search. Some interesting points are:
- Can see Facebook Groups that friends are in- Open and Closed but not Secret
- Liking a Facebook Business Page is almost an endorsement or recommendation
- A friend clean up may be in order. The Graph Search pulls information based on your friends, and it pulls it from those friends that you are active with.
A few days in from the Graph Search announcement and it hasn’t taken long for “example” searches to start appearing. This is where search gets creepy…
Image from Actual Facebook Facebook Graph Searches on Tumblr (it didn’t take long for it to appear did it?!)
Allegedly, this is a search revolution and possibly a contender to the mighty Big G. I doubt it is either option. With Facebook in bed with Bing, it may continue to chip at Google’s stranglehold on search here in the UK.
All I see is a stalker engine. But then, I think I have already mentioned I don’t like social search?
Now is the time to start cleaning your Facebook profile.
- Those pages you liked for a laugh…
- The groups you’re in for a joke…
- Not forgetting the drunken mobile Facebook moments…
Despite my dislike of social search, I have clicked the button to know when Graph Search is available to me. Research purposes only, honest! I’m a glutton for punishment no doubt…
Your turn
Is the new Facebook Graph Search yet available to you? Do you think all the hype is a load of fuss over nothing? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!
Facebook Graph Search – Creepy Search Has Begun! by Jan Kearney
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There is a fear you’ve expressed well that our private stuff will become public. HOWEVER, only info that we’ve shared publicly will come up in searches, unless it’s one of our friends doing the searching. I am wondering whether it won’t actually be as great as people think, but it’s impossible to say until we can try it for ourselves….
Hi Ginny, anything FB do to improve their search can only be a good thing. You’re right, your privacy settings will affect what is seen in search and by whom. Despite my dislike for social search, I want to get my hands on it just to try it!
What an interesting and informative post. I had not yet heard of this phenomenon and will look into this carefully. Thanks so much for the heads up!!
I’m glad you found it useful, Phyllis. Thanks for popping in 🙂
Thanks for the shout out! At some point we are all going to have Graph Search. So yes- there are things you mentioned above that can prepare you for the new social search. I believe that what goes on the internet stays on the internet- and all eyes can see it- so be prepared. Great post- Jan!
Hi Denys – yes, it’s coming to us all. I activated mine earlier and it’s scary! Thanks for popping in and the inspiration for this post 🙂