The New York Times published this article a couple days ago about how Facebook is looking to hire Robert Gibbs, the former White House Press Secretary, to help manage their communications.
Facebook is doing this because of their increase in popularity and want to be able to communicate better what their policies are and who they are. Additionally, Gibbs would seem like a good choice because of his Washington experiences and his communication credentials.
Also, Washington is still trying to figure out internet privacy issues and security, and Facebook probably thinks that Gibbs would be a perfect go-between with all his government connections.
This Washington Post quote brings up a different side, “Facebook has grown too big too fast and needs to be closely watched,” said Jeffrey Chester, executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy. “All Gibbs would be doing if it is true he is going to Facebook is selling his connections to the White House while it is in the crosshairs of privacy concerns around the world.”
It is fascinating to see the direction that Facebook is taking. It is smart for FB to take advantage of its billion users and educate them politically. But at the same time i do not think that Gibbs is a bi-partisan man for the job
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that facebook is taking a risk of alienating people by involving anyone affiliated with politics, since its disconnect from the government gives it a certain democratic appeal. On the other hand, perhaps facebook has the power to do that, since most people are just generally apathetic or too addicted to care.
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