Data pick of the day: Facebook Rooms reflects demand for anonymity
Facebook finally responded to the wave of anonymous social networks that have grabbed headlines in the last few months. But its new app – Facebook Rooms – is no Secret or Whisper. The mobile-only platform allows users to discuss topics in specialised, private forums (or ‘Rooms) under pseudonyms.
Facebook’s decision to provide a platform for pseudonymous discussions might represent a break from its previous policy but is very much in line with current attitudes and behaviours among digital consumers. It’s certainly telling that more than 50 per cent of internet users say that one of their motivations for getting online is to take on a different personality.
And while Rooms may seem like a throwback concept, it is worth noting that more than 40 per cent of internet users are still writing on forums or message boards each month.
