Facebook moves from adolescence to adulthood

On Sunday, December 5, amidst a 60 Minutes interview, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook is unveiling a new look for the “Profile” page. This is the first profile change since the advent of tabs in 2008.

The Facebook face-lift seeks to simplify the Facebook experience by eliminating tabs and displaying information in a more prominent manner. The major changes reflect Zuckerberg and Co.’s mission to offer a revealing way to introduce yourself, to rank your friends, and to share your life philosophies.

Based on the idea of conversation starters, the new Profile page highlights a horizontal bullet list of personal information directly under your name. This feature looks to instill the Americanized method of initiating a conversation by revealing your job, where you live, your relationship status, where you went to school, where you are from, and your birthday. Although this information was available through the older Profile interface, the face-lift exposes open privacy wounds by using personal information to define your Facebook profile. Similar to that of a girl covering her bust line one day, and wearing a low-cut dress the next, the new Profile flaunts intimate details.

To rank, or not to rank? That is the question. Another new Profile slice is the ability to “feature friends.” This component gives you the chance to decide who’s important to your life, or rather, who’s not. The idea here is to select those friends or family you want to introduce to your friend network, by broadcasting them as a list under your Profile picture. For example, Zuckerberg’s profile, as seen in Forbes magazine, features a list of family members. On the surface, this choice seems the best way to avoid leaving out friends, but rather is a hacker’s dream. Remember, one of the most common security categories is “Mother’s Maiden Name.”

A third modification is the wording of the “Favorite Quotations” section, which is now “Philosophy.” This subtle, yet powerful alteration signifies that Zuckerberg and friends are growing up, and want us to follow. Rather than posting a quirky or humorous movie quotation, users will now be expected to explore their subconscious and discover the meaning of life.

When examining the nips and tucks associated with the Facebook face-lift, you see the maturity of the company, or at least, the desire for professional networking. From showcasing work experience, to the subtle declaration your life’s wisdom, the new Facebook diverges from it’s adolescent core, to a website built for professionals.

To me, Facebook symbolizes an escape from the professionalism of our daily lives, and offers a casual chance to interact with those most important to us. A nonchalant way to unwind and catch-up with friends.

If Facebook strays from this purpose, it could soon need a lot more than a face-lift.