This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Social Networking Dream Has Died: Facebook Spam!!!
I logged into my email this morning to find five Facebook Wall posts from old friends -- many of whom I haven't spoken to in a while. "Hm, what is this spontaneous outpouring of love? How is it that so many have been moved to reach out to me this morning?" I clicked on over to my Facebook account, only to find --
I'D BEEN SPAMMED!!!
Actually, I was the spammer, and every single one of my Facebook friends had been subjected to one of those "chck out fr33 ringtonez now!!111!!!! dudez!!!!!" ads. Some of them said only, mysteriously, "did you get them???" Even worse, a bunch of people had already emailed me or responded to point out that I had spammed them, as if it wasn't clearly indicated all over my History Board or whatever the hell that thing is called on your profile that lets everybody know what you're up to. THE SHAME!!!
But after the initial embarassment wore off, the whole thing started to get funny. And then I started to feel like some sort of social networking pioneer! Might I be the first person to fall victim to the Free Ringtone Scam -- so common on MySpace, but as of yet unheard of on the smugly secure Facebook? A quick Google search revealed that spam has actually been creeping into Facebook for a while now, in all of its various Nigerian scam and "OMG Press alt-F4!!!!) iterations. Don't press Alt-F4, by the way.
Another unexpected benefit to the whole business is that the novelty of Facebook spam has brought out the snarky side of my friends. Everybody is messaging me to politely-yet-humorously decline my offer of free ringtones :"I'm actually quite happy with my current ring-tones Carrie, but thanks for offering." "Dude, Carrie, I get all excited I got a message, and it turns out to be an advertisement. Where's the love, Carrie? Can't you love? You should be French."
So...has Facebook actually communicated for me? Is this the future of social networking -- you don't even have to do anything to keep in touch with your friends anymore? The brain inside the computer will just send out cryptic-yet-concise messages for you? Facebook will actually do all my networking for me? I'm not sure if I'm ready to give my social life over to a malfunctioning Dell.
Sponsored message
Will frequent spam destroy the Facebook experience? (Unless you believe it's already going to hell.) Part of the whole attraction was that it offered a more cloistered membership than MySpace ever did -- but have all those god damn third-party applications tolled the death knell for Facebook user-friendliness and security? Will a social networking site ever get it right? Or does the emperor have no FunWall?
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
