New Media, When Does Integration Go Too Far?

I like the idea of intergration.  I currently am a major user of Google services such as Google.com, gmail, and google+.  This makes things very easy while going through my daily routine of using search engines, checking email, and wasting counless hours on social media.  While this works for me, I do worry about companies like Google and Facebook gaining too much power and information by collecting all types of internet data.  If privacy is valued, which seems less true everyday, then this integration is a good idea.  As with most assumptions though, it usually doesn't work out.  Wake up people, your privacy is gone. 

When reading your post, I initially thought that it is a good thing as far as being able to fulfill multiple needs or wants through one access point. But when Facebook's phone was mentioned, I realized that this can be taken too far. I think that privacy should be on everybody's minds when considering purchasing a phone. Unfortunately it never really had to be in the past nor was it a fathomable concern. Now with newer technology and the demand for companies to tap into our thoughts for the next best thing or need to be fulfilled...they've clearly taken it too far. I think that there needs to be stipulations on what is acceptable as far as this. If it is a concern about them gaining too much information without our knowledge then the government needs to step in and investigate if this is in fact happening.

This posting reminds me of certain article. I cannot imagine how the first Facebook phone was, but I think it is still early to conclude that the first Facebook phone's failure comes from HTC only (or Facebook). However, it is obvious fact that HTC and Facebook cannot create a synergy effect, and their failure might be burden to Samsung. On the other hand, I can guess certain point from the failure of Facebook phone. In a dominant - subordinate relationship, I think, human do not like to be a surbodinate one; also human do not like monopolized power. People has been managed and manipulated their SNS on their own. Facebook might want to control people's thinking and their hands by making exclusive hardware(Facebook phone) and its decision was held back by people. Facebook seems to have a long way to go. 

I feel as if nowadays it is imperative for companies to develop a wide range of media services for its customers.  Today, everyone is using smartphones and have apps that they use that help them in everyday life.  For a company to have its services installed in customers phones just make things that much easier.  For example, people check their email, check craigslist, use google maps, download music from Itunes, and people use twitter and facebook via cell phone.  Companies are becoming more integrated into our everyday lives due to cell phones.  I think that a cell phone started by Facebook is a complete joke.  The Iphone already can input your friends list to your contacts and it also updates your calender on special events.  Facebook does not need to create a smart phone and if they do i would love to know the reason why.  Facebook already contains alot of your personal information via its website, so why do they need to create a smartphone? They are pushing the envelope a little too far for even thinking about creating a smart phone.

Recently I've become much more skeptcal towards what these comapnies are doing with my information. A lot of sites will let you sign up for their service by "connecting it with Facebook", and I didn't even realize that that is only possible so the later company can suck all the information from my Facebook that they would like. Once you put something on the internet it's open for EVERYBODY, not just yourself...and I'm stating to understand that. 

 

As an Advertising major, companies developing their own media services and having things integrates is great for business. It will be easier than it is now to find target markets. As an individual, I am concerned about my privacy today so advancing media services and the Facebook phone will take that conern to another level. There is already enoguh information on ud to find out what our interests are as you can see on different websites such as youtube and facebook with the advertising that appears when we visit those sites. I think we are all entitled to our own privacy and should be able to monitor what personal inforamtion we want to share with companies. 

I think the idea of a company developing and owning a wide range of media services can be a good idea, to an extent. For instance, Google started off being a search engine, but has grown to be much more than that. I cannot imagine a day without some of Google's services such as Gmail, Maps, and of course a Google search. By having a wide range of media services, it allows for multiple things to integrate directly with each other. For instance, if I Google search a location, I do not have to go to a completely separate website to find the directions. Instead, it is all integrated directly into the Google search, saving precious seconds/minutes. While I do think that this integration can be great, if a company goes to far to do so, I think it may be a bit overwhelming. For instance, with Twitter, they are constantly throwing down the new Twitter Advertising and Twitter Music down the users throats. Whether they want the integration or not, it constantly is being reminded to the user that the option is ready to be used. Overall, I think that this integration is a great thing for New Media. But at times, it can be to much for the average consumer to digest.

I think that the idea of companies developing of companies developing and owning a wide range of media sources is a great idea, in particular, the devloping aspect. A company like Facebook, which has basically perfected social media, has a wide range of engineers that could really bring smartphones to an even higher level. Such a large part of what people use smartphones for is to access their social media, so if a phone was designed with social media as a base, it could be something big. I personally think people could potentially find a Facebook phone that's even better than current smartphones, and if not, at least offer something new and different.

 

I like the idea of having the best engineers in the world make the best products to help everyday life with social media, email, television, etc. run smoother and be less stressful.  I think this is a major plus with companies like Google.  However, the knock against this is the idea of wanting to keep privacy from these companies and keep full customer confidentiality.  In my opinion, this is an unrealistic expectation of companies like Google and Facebook.  They have the information readily available to help track things like “likes” on Facebook and are able to give this information to advertisers so they can target these individuals.  I have personally benefitted from this targeted approach by being introduced to discount sites such as Jack Threads on banner ads that I would have likely not come across if it weren’t for this targeting.  The Facebook phone in particular is something that I would consider if it made my life easier by having all of my social media sites linked well on my phone.  Obviously the technology of the phone would have to be on par with things like the Iphone and the Galaxy “S” series but the privacy issues wouldn’t deter me unless there were many cases of the company using my information negatively on people.  I enjoy this idea of a new Facebook phone and anything that can create competition with other large companies will only push other companies to be more innovative.

I don't know what to think about facebook having a smart phone.  I guess I would say that I wouldn't feel very comfortable using it, especially because of all the privacy issues they have already with facebook itself.  The things I do with my phone should be private and remain my own and I just don't trust a facebook phone or for that matter companies owning a wide range of media services.

      I find that media integration can be very handy to a certain extent; for instance the various Google media components, such as, Google+, G-Mail, Google Drive, and obviously the popular searech engine. Google has recently provided consumers with a social network channel (Google +), along with other popularized media channels in which you can recieve e-mails, store, create, edit and share documents, and even have a mobile database which can hold pictures and music. And these channels are not only available on your laptop devide but also very easy to access on mobile phones. Google's various media components, in particular, link to each other very well and make creating a profile very easy. Therefore, Google has done a very nice job integrating various forms of media.

     However; the questionable privacy policies imposed by Facebook and the rumors of a "Facebook phone" is another story. Firstly, Facebook was released as solely a social network to allow users to interact and collaberate with one another over the internet. The issues of privacy that are already present within this network is already a sensitive subject since many users have family images along with personal conversations and connections. Adding another component into the loop, such as a phone, would put users into an even deeper privacy predicament. Now Facebook would be able to not only access conversations but even be able to locate individuals using a gps or listen in on phone conversations.

I agree with this theory. Today, social media is the over powering form of communication all over the world. In many ways, this has allowed civilization to advance as well as become a successful tactic in spreading messages in nearly seconds. On the other hand, social media has become a large issue in terms of the develpoment of the younger generation's social skills and manner tactics when conversing with another person. From a business stand point, the idea of companies developing and owning a wide range of media services would be incredibly beneficial in furthering their organizations. They'd be able to capture attention and reach every single individual on the planet just by a few simple clicks of a button. In my own personal opinion, I believe that the Facebook phone is a poor idea due to the lack of privacy. We're already surrounded by technology. It's been proven that the average person spends about eight hours a day in front of a screen. the Facebook phone will be no help to this observation. Many phones today already include the Facebook app, along with iPads, Nooks, and of course the lap top. I belive that they Facebook phone is unnecessary, and the world can live without it. 

From a business point-of-view I question Facebook’s idea of expanding into the mobile hardware industry. Although Facebook has been successful in capturing a majority of the social networking industry, I personally question if they will have this type of success in the smart-phone industry. Currently, Apple and Samsung dominate the industry, which could make it difficult for Facebook to gain market share. Both Apple and Samsung have many devoted customers who are brand-loyal and would not consider switching smart-phone providers. I personally have had a great experience with my iPhone and would not consider switching to the new "Facebook phone." To me Facebook is an “app” on my iPhone and nothing more. They have developed their reputation as a social network and don’t see them being able to change that.

From a corporate perspective, I think that owning a wide variety of services and products is beneficial. As stated above, it allows the company to gain further insight into the inner workings of the consumer's mind and sets the stage for better tailoring and curating of ad information to the individual. Facebook already possesses shocking amount of our personal information and with their latest foray into actual, physical hardware, they stand to learn even more. Personally, I try and limit the information revealed on FB and would never buy a FB phone.

I feel that companies owning a large amount of different services is a wonderful idea. While monopolies should always be avoided, I do not think there is a problem with a tech savy company having numerous types of services for it's consumers. Not to mention, if a company owns a lot of different types of media services then there will be more competition in the market. This competition will create advancements in technology and make our world a better place in the long run.

I believe the idea of companies owning media services is actually a great business deal. Its companies such as Google that we all love that has a phone out for example, and it has emphasis on their actual company. As long as its good quality and its not capitalizing, I support it. I would not buy a Facebook phone because its a social media site and I would support more of a wide-range company such as Google with resources.

I understand the idea of companies owning a wide range of services and think that it is a smart investment for those companies to grow. However, companies such as Facebook creating a smart phone is not exactly something I would purchase. When I think of a smartphone by Facebook I think of a cheap product designed just to make the company more money. I would not purchase a Facebook smartphone, nor would I trust my information sent on that phone to a company who already stores all of your information through their other mediums. Some companies should just stick to what they are best at.

Intergration is very useful! I think its one of my favorite things about digital technology and social networking today. My favorite is how many sites or even apps lets me sign in using Facebook; this is so much easier than entering all of my information in to the site and usually takes a minute to do. I don't think intergration is going too far, its for our benefit, making our digital lives much more simple.

Yes I believe making a smartphone based on Facebook is going a little too far. These wide range of compaines do make our lives easier with their products and services but I believe there is no need to push one service on to all the other aspects of other social services. Taking up one specialization is enough and it is what makes a brand special when it comes down to that specialization.

I don't see anything wrong with the integration. If anything, it's more convenient. Plus, people have the option to not purchase the product if you do not like the integration. I think most people will find it easier to use, especially with the current obsession with social media and staying in touch with others.

I understand how integration would make thing easier. However, the Facebook phone sounds scary. Even now, i'm kind of worried about my privacy when i use Facebook. And i sometimes feel uncomfortable when the social media just connect me every single other media. I think there should be a boundary to help users to keep their privacy before they develop the Facebook phone 

I do not feel good about the idea of a Facebook phone. Like many people, I have grown to mistrust Facebook and feel very wary about my privacy and rights as a user. I feel that while integration of social media with other websites and technology devices is unstoppable, I am resistant to it at times due to privacy issues. For example, when my Spotify is linked to Facebook, I am not always comfortable with followers getting updates every song I listen to. The integration is convenient at times so that I dont' have to create a separate account with every new website I use, but maintaining privacy across so many sources feels overwhelming.

I do not think this idea of a Facebook phone is necessary. Although it seems like a creative idea, I think there would be several privacy policy issues. I use my mobile device to access Facebook, not the other way around. This is too much and I don't think a lot of people would find it useful, especially since Facebook has issues it must fix each day.

I was extremely hesitant to get a gmail for this simple reason that I knew Google would be able to investigate me even further.  I try to keep as many location features on my iPhone off as possible, but using Google Maps locations are very neccessary.  I am hesitiant to be in favor of the huge integration of digital tools, but I am just as if not more guilty than anyone of using these tools to an extreme. 

I don't see anything wrong with companies developing and owning a wide range of media services, they are just doing what every company does, trying to make profit. I think that the Facebook phone is a good idea. People are already on Facebook all the time and they should know that if they really want to be private about something they should not be putting that information on their phone or on Facebook. I also don't think that Facebook is launching this phone as a way to take all your information and expose it for others to see, if anything the owner of the phone would be the only one seeing it.

A facebook phone is going too far. I'm a conspiry theorist at heart and I think that little by little social media in creeping into out homes and before we know it, it's going to be that drunk uncle on the couch that airs out all your dirty laundry, but you cant get rid of him because youre so attached. Its a mess, really. These companies have too much power over our day to day lives and I feel guilty for allowing it. 

I think things are much easier for people when they feel connected, with social media or internet. I think it is sometimes more efficient to use Facebook or Google information to log into many different websites. It is bothering to make a new account everytime you go into a website, and it feels more comfortable. I do not feel good about Facebook phone since there will be some kind of limitations of doing other kind of web activities.

Recently, many social media company try to create their own product otherwise on website. It is also a social media tool called “Meitu” plan to develop its feature phone. I think it is look like the similar strategy Facebook want to create the Facebook phone. I think the reason is who can control the platform user, then who can really control the trend of consumption. However, I don’t support Facebook phone even though Facebook really do the good job on social media part. It might have several disputations on the privacy protection. Facebook phone will show all the situation of the user to the public. That may become a real safety hazard.  

 

Growing up in the Information Age, I honestly am a little wary of the so-called Facebook phone. It sounds like way too much, first of all. Integrating Facebook with literally everything? It seems everywhere you go, companies already use the social media site (Log in with facebook!) enough to make it integrated into everything else. Facebook is where I go to see what my friends are up to, to read silly things people say and laugh at memes or browse through photos of people I know. I would definitely be against the Facebook phone. We have enough integration with everything else. Trust me when I say, I do not need more Facebook in my life. 

I don't think Facebook coming out with a smartphone is a good idea. Although the site is one of the most dominant social media sites, having it's own smartphone will only cause more privacy issues that need to be covered. I also think a phone would make the site more confusing for current users due to any changes that will need to be made. Sure, most of these changes have been good (or helped increased user customization/functionality in some regard) but there has to be a limit somewhere. Also, I recall a phone that came out through Sprint (I think) that was designed specifically for Facebook and its main purpose was to be highly Facebook friendly. I haven't heard of it since it's released which tells me it probably didn't do too well. All smartphones already have apps that allow you to use Facebook so why does Facebook need a phone? It just simply doesn't.

What a scary thought and good point, Ross.

Personally, I wouldn't want anything to do with the phone.

Facebook used to be a place where you were free from ads and where you used to have a little but of privacy, but no longer!

To say the privacy policies are questionable is being generous, and because of that, I honestly couldn't trust a phone created by them.

A facebook phone seems like a dangerous idea espicially with the way people use it today. But if it were to come out if would seem very important to educatse the young and older generation in regards to what they put on their own social media for their safetly. I think that there willl have to be a few guidelines and things to fix to make sure they organize and are clear in regards to their policies.

I am a believer that you should not forecast your personal business with any social media platform. Some individuals really want that attention I guess. I am very careful as to what I post on my social media platforms. It is mainly fashion and inspirational artifacts. I think that one needs to be very careful as to what they post. You never know who is looking. So you might as well look fabulous lol.

I do not think the Facebook phone is a good idea. Facebook is borderline stalker having a phone could give too many details about people location and information. I also believe that Facebook is not ready to make a phone. They are already having problems with Facebook everday, they need to perfect that before they move on. The market for a facebook phone is not developed enough to be able to compete. A phone needs to be able to have all social media outlets for it to be successful.

I really don't see many people trusting a phone from Facebook even without their problems with privacy policy.  When I think of Facebook I don't think of someone that makes electronics I think of something I use my electronics to reach.  I think Googles branching out over things like Email and Google Earth are fine because they are still staying in their own domain.

With technology growing very fast I do like the simplicity of the integrated systems. However, like people have said there are some things that I wouldn’t want other sites to have/see. The privacy settings on different sites make them unique. It is a pain to log onto things but I do like it for safety reasons. I don’t really like the Facebook phone only because I don’t really use Facebook. I personally don’t like it. It sounds somewhat creepy. 

It's very hard to know how much is too much. I'm a huge ensorser for the classic face-to-face communication and traditional family businesses. However, I have to admit that without all the technological and digital advancements my job would be a lot harder. All of the editing and writing jobs I've held have relied heavily on speedy communication and collaboration. It's hard to research and post and article without comunicating with an editor, and it's hard to assign an interesting topic to a writer if I can't conduct up-to-the-minute research on current events. Business these days isn't always within your city as well, people merge companies that are located accross the country, and there is no way that could be possible without the advances that have been made.

I guess for me I settle for a happy medium. Speedy emails and texts are great to get the ball rolling, but it's always best to plan out a meeting to sit down and communicate face to face to establish connection and clarify any misinterprited virtual information.

In many cases, I find integration to be helpful. For example, my iPhone integrates information for my contacts with Facebook and Twitter so all of their information is in one place. In other cases, however, I find integration to be problematic. There are many things that I have no interest in sharing with all of my Facebook friends--for example, my bracket picks for the NCAA tournament. In moderation, I think integration between services and medias can be helpful, but it can also go too far.

being able to integrate has been extremely convenient and saves time from having to sign up for sites all the time.  I use it simply because of the easeof hitting a button to get the same info they would as if I was typing it all in. More people probably sign up for certain sites due to integration and wouldn't sign up if the integration didn't exist. Integrating with my phone would be a little to far for me I feel though because I only put certain things on Facebook.

I like the idea of being able to easily log in and access all of my social media sites, however there are some things on my Twitter that I wouldn't want people on my Facebook to access because of certain formalities between sites etc. Also, I do usually end up just logging and logging out of my social media sites each time I access them, making it almost more of a pain for me to utilize things like this because I would have to log in to each site in order for them to link.

I think the idea of a "connected life" makes things much easier for individuals in this new age. Being able to use your Facebook or Google info to log into tons of different websites makes it much easier and more efficient on the web. I realize using a google phone to run google chrome and run google mail can seem excessive but i reap the benefits of not having to use my logins as much and i see this as a postivie thing.

I like the idea of integration from the stand point that it really is convenient, ads that are relevant to me cut down on me surfing the internet for what I want, however at some point it does feel invasive, its hard to draw the line between helpful and tracking my every online move. I don't think I'd ever purchase the Facebook phone, I don't need everything on my phone connected to social media. I get frustrated enough when facebook attempts to link to my twitter account and sync all my facebook contacts onto my iPhone. 

I think the idea of companies developing and owning a wide range of products can be both good and bad. On one hand, it helps them build brand loyalty with loyal customers who want to buy every single product that company makes. I know a few "Apple junkies" who have to have the latest Apple products when they come out. On the other hand, it might make them lose recognition and credibility for what they do best. If Apple starts making TV's and microwaves, it will shift the attention from computers and phones, which is what they're known for. Personally, I would not consider buing a Facebook phone because a lot of my information is already on Facebook and I think it will hold too much of my information if I got a Facebook phone.

I am very skeptical when it comes to people having access to the information on my phone.  I have e-mail through my phone, which includes passwords, bank account information and other very important things to me.  I would never buy a Facebook phone if it required information stored in my phone.  I am even hesitant using my debit card in restaurants seeing as my number has been stolen twice and my account emptied the same amount of times.  I would not trust a Facebook phone.

I think integration really depends on the company and product line . I think advances in technology are really blurring the line of integration and big brother advertising. I like integration for the purpose of being productive. I dont like the idea of the Facebook phone becaue I think it will further hinder people's ability to communicate. Instead of enjoying a concert you are too concerned about mobile uploads. You shouldn't be so concerned with optimizing your social networking that you need a custom phone. I think the more we integrate with our social networks the less we actually communicate. I think it makes relationships superficial .

When you Instagram a photo and it lets you push it out on various networks is perfection in integration.  It doesn't force you to do anything, it doesn't have to be consistent and can produce great results.  The problem is its platform is mobile.  Mobile integration is something that's saturating social media currently.  "Follow this social media to get to this social media" is something that frustrates every consumer.  A Facebook phone is a step in the wrong direction and their partnerships with Apple and Google's Android phones is already apparent.  From many homescreens you can instantly post on Facebook and now Twitter, too.  Right now it's pretty convenient, not going to lie.  However, anymore progress and it'll begin to feel saturated.

The facebook phone really doesn't bother me. I do think it is surprising that they want to make a phone but i am going to refuse to get one just because it's a facebook phone. I don't like that companies track what people do on the web and compile it all because i believe it is an invasion of privacy. I understand thta we agree to the terms of their privacy policies, but how many of us honestly read those or even care. The bottom line is that it doesn't bother me enough to do anything about it and i am still going to be involved with these big companies like google and facebook because it is becoming difficult not too. I mean, everyone was forced to have a facebook and twitter for this class....I guess if it really bothers people, then don't use the internet, good luck with that.