With the inception of social networking sites in the early 2000s, there were several start-up companies looking to maximize their membership and excel in niche areas. In the first few years that Facebook entered the scene, it was meant to be the best way for college students to socialize and connect. It didn't take long for this service to expand and become inclusive of people of all ages, from 13 on up. For several years now, Facebook has maintained its title of the best social networking website.
Facebook has become a way of life. You can instantly communicate
with old high school friends or peruse your neighbor's vacation photos. This
social network is so pervasive that it's unusual if you hear someone claim they
don't have a Facebook account. Because of the number of members it has and its
vast features, Facebook is our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner for social media
sites.
Networking Features
10/10
9.4
One of many aspects that
Facebook has perfected is dealing with usability. This social network is
centered on keeping people logged in to their accounts. Even when you visit
other sites, Facebook wants to be just one click away. In fact, you can't visit
many sites without seeing the social media buttons that allow you to share the
content on Facebook. When you log in to this social media site, the first thing
you see will be a news feed that keeps you updated on the lives of your
friends. The Facebook toolbar will notify you immediately if you have a new
friend request, an unread message in your inbox or if someone commented on or
liked your status or posts.
Facebook is an entirely free service. There are no AdSense ads
clogging up the page. You will see a column of ads tailored to your tastes
using internet cookies. The ads are small, and you learn to see past them.
Where Facebook thrives in terms of advertisements is through the growth of
small businesses owned by Facebook members. You can create a page for your
business, band or event and gain publicity by asking for likes and keeping
people consistently informed about your business. You can also gain attention
and reach for new likes by creating your own Facebook advertisement.
The mobile app for this social network is very impressive and can
even provide for a better experience if you only care to see what is
highlighted by the news feed. It cuts out the majority of ads, suggestions and
friends that are current online and open to chat. These options are still
available from your smartphone or tablet, but they are hidden unless you swipe
the screen, either right or left.
We are impressed by how much information you can upload to your
Facebook account. You can post YouTube videos and watch them directly from your
news feed without even following the link and opening a new window. Also,
beyond uploading photo albums, you can upload personal videos, just in case you
have relatives who may have missed out on special memories, like a child's
first steps or footage of your friends they may have forgotten about after a
night of partying. We find that Facebook really does allow you to keep in touch
with friends in many different ways, even if much of it is over sharing.
Profiles
8.8/10
Facebook's website design is straightforward. It has few graphics
or decoration, but most users adore the uniform, utilitarian interface.
Although you can't customize skins or change the color scheme, you can
rearrange the position of some of your information boxes on your profile by
simply dragging and dropping them to other spots on the screen.
When you edit your profile, you can be as specific as you'd like
to be. You can make your profile a mini resume with your current and past jobs.
You can also add items to your education networks. Once you add this
information, Facebook can focus on specific suggestions for people you may know
from your university or current job. You can also add your basic information
such as where you live, your favorite quotes, your website, and your religious
and political views.
Search
10/10
Facebook's search bar will allow you to search based on any
aspect. If you want to join a fan page, you can find it by looking up keywords
or names. Though this social networking website isn't only for college
students, there is still a big focus on finding friends that you have gone to
school with. If you search by email address and find friends who aren't
Facebook members yet, you can send invites and, should they choose to
eventually start an account, they will immediately be notified of your friend
invite.
Security
10/10
You must be at least 13 years old to register with Facebook. You
cannot browse the Facebook database without registering for an account. In its
terms of service agreement, Facebook states that it does not allow offensive
content such as sexually charged language and explicit photos; however, it also
states that it is not responsible for closely monitoring the content on the
website. Facebook encourages members to report content they find offensive.
Facebook also allows you to block individual users, report spam and report
profile abuse.
Facebook has some of the most specific and custom privacy setting
of all the social network sites we reviewed. In addition to making your entire
profile private, you can select which sections of your profile you would like
displayed and to whom. For example, your wall can be open to everyone, but your
photographs can be set to only display to your friends or friends of friends.
The same is true for your personal information, education, work and contact
information.
Facebook Summary:
9.6/10
Facebook is the king of social networking sites for a reason. We
felt the safest while navigating this site. You also can't go wrong with its
great mobile app, and being connected to your friends whenever you feel like
it. Facebook is the go-to service for staying in touch with friends and family,
reuniting with old friends and making new connections.
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