Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Mobile Social Networks

Tired of the same old same old? Social networks can now be found in mobile cellphones, easy exchanges of messages and mms and real-time on dits on a friend's location. Using a GyPSii search, a leading mobile social network, will show users a map of their environs dotted with photos, videos and information from other members. Currently there are about 30 upstarts, most coming from Asia and Africa, in countries where there is less PC orientation and there are more cellphone users than internet users.

I can just imagine that stalking will be a breeze. Locating a "friend"? Surprise him, right around the corner! I hope the users know what they are getting into. If we now have problems with privacy in social networks online, how much more in mobile social networks? I can just imagine these networks selling your whereabouts to marketers. It's like carrying a homing device and a target everywhere with you.

And don't be fooled of a delete option. I quote from a Facebook subscriber as regards the delete option of his Facebook account, "it's like the Hotel California, you can checkout any time you like, but you can never leave!" Better treat your sim card number as a disposable one then.


Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/technology/06wireless.html?_r=1&nl=tech&emc=tech&oref=slogin

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