Facebook plans to push advertisements to users this fall on the basis of their hobbies, musical tastes, hangouts, and favorite travel destinations, among other variables, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. Advertisers on the social-networking site now target their messages using only members’ ages, genders, and locations. The new plan is part of an effort by Facebook to raise revenues and profits in anticipation of going public, according to the article.
The big question, of course: Will Facebook’s clientele, including many college students, go along with more ads? Members have been known to rebel against changes on the site. Last year many users objected to a feature that showed them up-to-the minute changes made by online “friends” on their pages. The change jeopardized users’ privacy and was too intrusive, they said. Facebook responded to the criticism by making the feature optional.
Perhaps Facebook should examine the recent backlash from YouTube fans before moving forward with the advertising scheme. IDG News Service reported Thursday that YouTube users have loudly protested a pilot program that encourages them to watch ads along with videos on the site.—Andrea L. Foster
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