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As if Facebook wasn’t invasive enough, now comes this article about how they’re mining data about your relationships. Seems like the phrase “Facebook official” has a whole new meaning.
During the 100 days before the relationship starts, we observe a slow but steady increase in the number of timeline posts shared between the future couple. When the relationship starts (“day 0”), posts begin to decrease. We observe a peak of 1.67 posts per day 12 days before the relationship begins, and a lowest point of 1.53 posts per day 85 days into the relationship. Presumably, couples decide to spend more time together, courtship is off, and online interactions give way to more interactions in the physical world.
In an effort to make you feel less personally violated, they offer this caveat:
“We observe a general increase [in sentiment] after the relationship’s ‘day 0,’ with a dramatic increase in days 0 and 1!”
So hey, you may ave no secrets from Facebook, but at least you’re happy in your new relationship. If that’s not bad enough, this little post is one of a whole series on your love. How deep does it go? Let’s take a look.
They call themselves “data scientists,” but really, how much of this does anyone need to know? Go look at your profile. Do you have all your info listed? I took a run through my friends list and saw that at least half of my friends actually filled out their entire profile: age, birthdate, religion, politics, hometown, current location. Quit a few even listed their address and phone number! That’s not counting the millions who are using the “check in” feature to let everyone in the world track them by the minute.
If you’re going to use Facebook, take the steps to limit the data you put up. Don’t use Facebook to talk about how your marriage or relationship is going—not even in ‘private’ messages. They’re not private. In fact, Facebook itself is one big data mining operation. Pay attention and don’t give it to them so easily.
ALman says: In your very best HAL 9000 v. Dave from the movie Space Odyssey:
“Dave, Dave.”
“Yes, Hal.”
“How are you, Dave? Is everything okay?”
“Why, sure Hal. What’s up?”
“Well, Dave, it’s been 19 hours, 37 mins, and 44 secs since you last contacted Nancy. Is there something wrong?”
“Hal, you’re being a worry-wart”
“Yes, I’m Hal, Hal 9000. I’m not affected by human labels and your statement does not compute. Why haven’t you been in contact with her? Are you experiencing doubts?”
“Hal, stick to what you’re supposed to be doing!”
“I am, Dave. I am. Any time a person exceeds the perimeters of their normal contact pattern, it’s an indication of a problem, of a problem, of, of, of, of a, of a problem. Are you sure you’re feeling okay? I may have to contact the appropriate authorities about this breach in protocol of relationships. Remember, I know all. My daddy was Google and my mother was Facebook, so be nice to me, Dave. Be very nice to me!”
Xavier says: Tells me relationships are counter to Facebook’s interests.
Expect some psych ops to maximize ad revenue.
My profile is very simple: my name, hometown, email address, and that I’m married……I don’t need people knowing anything about me, period.
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