Facebook was always a platform to get connected with other people. But now, a new feature is coming to blur the lines between “connecting” and “dating.” Dubbed “Discover People,” the new feature brings Facebook one step away from into the new Tinder.
Most people keep Facebook for friends, families and sometimes colleagues. Other have a more open profile, and connect with industry peers or other professionals. But we never really looked at Facebook as a tool to “meet” new people. Did we?
With Discover People, Facebook is changing – blurring the lines between networking and a dating app. The new feature, available on both iOS and Android in the US, lets you see a list of people living in the same town as you, are employed by the same company, or who are just attending the same event as you are.
And yes, I’m not sure how I feel about this.
For professional networking, we have LinkedIn. Tinder, on the other side, is clearly for dating. Facebook was for friends and families. Yes, the lines between personal and professional networking can be thin, so I sometimes network with industry peers on Facebook rather than on LinkedIn.
And I’m sure some of you may find your next life partner on Facebook. But this approach is new. “Discover People” is all about finding people who live near you, work with you, or go to the same gigs as you.
I’m always keen to meet new people. And I get how this feature can help me do that. It’s just that I think Facebook users are used to protecting their little personal world on the platform – and I doubt they will welcome being found by total strangers.
I forgot to mention though, that you can’t opt-in or opt-out. You will be listed. Unless Facebook understands how wrong this is, and brings a privacy update to its new feature.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …
3 Courses To Help You Create Better Video Content For Your Ads
Here are three free Facebook Blueprint courses to help you take your content to the next level.
Facebook Attacks Apple With Full-Page Newspaper Ads
Facebook is running newspaper ads newspapers criticizing Apple for its policy giving iOS users the choice of whether they want …
New Facebook Collab App Lets You Create Music With Friends
Facebook Collab is a new experimental music-making app available in the US, that lets you create music with friends.
Facebook Expands Brand Collabs Manager To Public Groups
Facebook is rolling out it s Brand Collabs Manager to public groups this week, giving them a new opportunity for …
The US Government Is Taking Legal Action To Break Up Facebook
Forty-eight attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission say Facebook Needs To Sell Instagram And WhatsApp.
Facebook Makes It Easier For Auto Dealers To Manage And Promote Their Vehicles
Facebook is rolling out several updates to US-based dealership Pages to make it easier for auto dealers to showcase and …