scheck+blog+analysis

TO: //Proximity// Social Networking Team FROM: Alex Scheck SUBJECT: WSJ article on Web 2.0 Suicide Machine DATE: January 4, 2010 We were asked to analyze a blog post or news item to prepare for Proximity's winter survey. Below, I summarize a //Wall Street Journal// article regarding a website allowing users to delete all profile content from social networking sites. In our winter survey, we should ask TU students about their use of social networking sites.


 * What Web 2.0 Suicide Machine does**

Web 2.0 Suicide Machine allows users to disconnect themselves from social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Linkedln by clicking a "commit" link. Web 2.0 Suicide Machine prompts for users' account information, then accesses said account, deletes all friends and updates, changes the account's password, and logs out leaving a barren profile. Facebook states that The Suicide Machine violates the former's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities by requesting login qualifications and scraping Facebook pages. Facebook has accordingly blocked The Suicide Machine's IP address.

Gen-Y realizes that it is becoming excessively connected to others though social networking sites. Therefore, users can turn Web 2.0 Suicide Machine as a means to get out of the social networking life. Users withdrawing from these sites is a sign of a stagnant or declining market. Our clients need to know whether there is a future for social networking on the established sites.
 * Why Is Web 2.0 Suicide Machine Is Important**


 * Questions to ask TU social networking site users**

In addition to asking which social networking sites TU students use, we must ask how they feel about the site. In the Social Networking section of Proximity's winter survey we should include questions such as the following:


 * Do you feel your social networking site distracts you from regular life?
 * Do you feel you are too connected to others via your social networking site?
 * Do you see yourself wanting to delete or restart your profile on your social networking site anytime soon?

The answers to these questions will help Proximity clients recognize how Gen-Y’s usage of social networking sites is changing and if these sites have a future.

__Reference__

LaVallee, A. (2010, January 4) Social Network Suicide? Not If Facebook Can Help it. //Wall Street Journal//. Retrieved Jan. 4, 2010, from http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/01/04/social-network-suicide-not-if-facebook-can-help-it/