Facebook Makes Amends: Gives Us The Upper Hand

Did you ever have a boyfriend who really messed up? I’m talking about broken trust, ugly fighting, rumor spreading awfulness that made you to dump his sorry ass. Well that’s essentially what happened when Facebook changed their terms of agreement with us last week. Collectively, students everywhere decided that these new terms weren’t what we signed up for when Facebook first nervously asked us out and we know we deserve better than that.

By Amanda

Of course a week later that said boyfriend came back with his tail between his legs promising to make it better. He’s seen how ugly the world can be without you and, damn it, he’s changed.

Oh and look at that; Facebook is right on schedule, trying to make amends just like your last douchey boyfriend. But this time it’s different; this time there’s hope! It may be a dysfunctional relationship, but it’s our dysfunctional relationship and we’re listening, Facebook. I’ve missed our late night sessions, wasting time together, looking at old pictures…

Some may call it an obsession but I call it love.

This time Facebook has a plan to woo me back. A week after we heard about the policy change (the one that would allow Facebook to obtain permanent rights to your pictures, wall posts and information), the most popular social-networking site has changed its mind and will instead give users more control over future Facebook rules and practices. The first step being several town hall style meetings that would allow users to comment on the new proposed statement of rights and responsibilities.

In the long run this arrangement sounds like it could be healthier for everyone. It feels good to talk out our problems, compromise, and make suggestions like adults. But while we’re on the subject I have some ideas.

Ideas that could really take this relationship to the next level.

I love the idea of giving me back my ownership rights and everything, but it’s really important that we stay, “stalker friendly.” I don’t want to have another discussion a week from now where I learn that I can’t creepily browse through my “friend’s” photos anymore. And what if we had and und0 option for those drunken Facebook mistakes? Sort of a virtual “oops” where I can erase that comment about watching that guy in chem class. Oh, and one more thing – I would really love it if I had full access to celebrity profiles. And contact info…

Just some suggestions. I think if we can make those teeny tiny changes we could be together forever.

What about you? Got any ideas?

[Photo courtesy of Flickr]