Face the Truth

History

Originally called “The Facebook”, Facebook was founded in the year of 2004 with its creators Mark Zuckerberg, and a few of his college roommates from Harvard University. Initially, Mark created Facebook to be used by the Harvard students but was expanded to other colleges, mostly universities in Canada and the United States. According to the creators, their core purpose is the personal engagement in an online space. Facebook allows its users to connect with other individuals through sharing of news and multimedia content. Facebook is an effective means of sharing information.

Statistics 

 

Since the launching of Facebook in the February of 2004, numerous people discovered and learned its purpose which led them to use the platform. By late of 2006, it was already available to everyone age 13 and older. A valid e-mail address and a phone number are also required to create and maintain the privacy of the account. As of the year 2015, with eleven years running, there are already 1.44 Billion monthly active users and 1.25 Billion mobile users. Though Facebook is an effective way to share information, there are downfalls. Most members depend on the blogs posted in their news feed, which can provide inaccurate information, or is sensitive to young audiences. It is advisable that Facebook should filter the different stories and reports which are being shared and posted to assure quality of the information that the users will apprehend.  

Layout

Individuals can immediately notice that Facebook is a communication-based site with just a simple glance at the layout. The design is constantly complimented with a simple dark blue theme. As of the year 2013, Facebook has improved the timeline into a single column, to allow the users to customize their account in order to ensure their comfort. Upon entering the home page, the organization is properly-put by constantly showing the navigation bar which contains the home page button, notifications, suggestions of friends to add or pages to like, and a personal space to update statuses. A button located near the top left corner can effortlessly direct the user to the homepage with just a click.  The search bar, which is placed at the left side of the navigation bar, is just as convenient since it lets the users to type and search any friend or public figure. A message bar, located at the right side of the layout can effortlessly see online friends, and is easily accessible to send messages. A notification panel is also located at the right side of the layout just above the message bar. The notification panel updates the daily activities of the user's friends. Text sizes are also visible allowing its users to properly understand and read the texts. Facebook should implement strict filtering to protect its users to see unwanted or inappropriate designs, links, or ads.

Navigation

Through simplicity, Facebook was made to be convenient. It was created to be  easy since it must satisfy one of the most basic criteria of a social media, which is to be user-friendly. Facebook's navigation bar contains the notification, messages, friend requests, home page, and settings buttons. Each button addresses the basic requirements of a social media, alerting its users in times of notifications from messages, friend requests, or group and pages notification. Facebook has been trying to implement customizable settings to make their user feel more comfortable with the privacy of their account. As of the year 2011, the site has been trying to improve the social media by trying to create usable options to its users in order to make Facebook unique from the other sites. These enhancements include video calls, permitting of sending files with a 25 MB memory per message, and improving the efficiency of the messages by allowing voice recordings.  

Conclusion

Over-all, Facebook is one of the best social media sites. Its layout is well-organized and simple, and the navigation is easy to use, which makes it user-friendly. Therefore people from various age groups are able to use Facebook effectively and efficiently. News and information about trending topics can be found on the site, resulting to millions of people to depend on Facebook to stay updated. Facebook keeps people in touch and connected, which contributes to their purpose of building new relationships. But there are certain features that Facebook can still improve. Although there is an age limit, young audiences are still exposed to inaccurate or sensitive information. It is advisable that they filter the different stories and information to assure the quality of information that the users will apprehend. Security measures for privacy must be intensified and promoted, since some members aren't aware of the different security features found in their Facebook accounts. But nonetheless, Facebook still is an effective means of sharing information.

References:

[1] Facebook Single Column Timeline Design Rolls Out | MariSmith.com. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://www.marismith.com/facebook-single-column-timeline-layout/

[2] Facebook Review 2015 | Top Social Networking Site. (n.d.).

 Retrieved from http://social networking-websites-review.toptenreviews.com/facebook-review.html

[3] An Oral History Of Facebook | ClickHole. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://www.clickhole.com/article/oral-history-facebook-2907

[4] Social Media and Young Adults | Pew Research Center. (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2010/02/03/social-media-and-young-adults/

[5] How to Navigate the New Facebook Fan Page Timeline (Tip for Fans and Admins) | Handmadeology. (n.d.). 
Retrieved from http://www.handmadeology.com/how-to-navigate-the-new-facebook-fan-page-timeline-tips-for-fans-and-admins/

-Group 3