To see a video on student’s reactions to the new Facebook design, click here.
First, Facebook opened to the public. Next, they installed the News Feed. Then they added Facebook Ads.A July 20 news release announced yet another change to the social networking site that has students cursing Mark Zuckerberg’s name: “the new Facebook.”The site’s overhaul includes tab-based navigation, the option to adjust News Feed “stories” and a new applications format.”I hate the new Facebook,” said Lauren Miclette, mass communication freshman. “It’s kind of annoying because the wall and … everything right there is all jumbled up, and it was just easier to have it all in separate spots.”To “give users even more control” and to “simplify the user experience” are two reasons for the new design Zuckerberg mentioned in a news release.”I think the new one’s really terrible,” said Ben Trager, mass communication freshman. “It’s really confusing to use. It’s a lot harder to use for me, and I can’t find things as easily.”Since the July release of the new design, users could try it out. But it wasn’t until September that the Web site began weaning its users off the original version.Keeping with Facebook tradition, disgruntled users threatened to cancel their accounts and banded together to form a slew of petitions and groups — some with more than 1 million members.Frustration is a typical reaction when people’s comfort and routine are disrupted, said sociology instructor Matt Wilkinson.”That’s why people get mad,” Wilkinson said. “It becomes routine, and you don’t have to think about it … Then when someone tweaks a little tiny thing, the people get really angry because it just throws their whole day off.”But where change is, adaptation follows, and Wilkinson said Facebook users aren’t going anywhere.”They’re not going to leave.” he said. “They say they will, but they won’t. They’ll complain about it for a while, but [nothing more].”As of Sept. 10, more than 3 million switched to the new version, the new Facebook’s product manager Mark Slee said on the site’s blog.As the numbers show, the change is easier for some.”I’m somewhat indifferent to it,” said Colin Plaisance, mass communication freshman. “But I don’t have much stuff on my Facebook. Maybe those who have a lot on their Facebook might find it a little more frustrating, but I just have the very basics.”And some are even enjoying the update.”I love the new one. I like it a lot,” said Jarred Olson, music education freshman. “I’m not a big fan of the whole application thing, so it takes away all the clutter. It’s easier to navigate.” Regardless of people’s opinions, the choice between the new and old version will inevitably become a choice between having a Facebook or not. The site promises, “New Facebook is now the only Facebook.” As Wilkinson said, “We evolve. We learn how to use it, and we get over it.”- – – -Contact Julie Gutierrez at [email protected]