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Despite the constant Facebook changes, teenagers aren't pissed off enough to deactivate their accounts.
On Dec. 5, Facebook unveiled its latest change: another profile redesign. Gone are the tabs, apps and status box. What's left is a more streamlined version of the profile page. A few select personal facts are lined up at the top, with the latest uploaded photos lined up underneath. Links to the wall, profile info, photos, notes and friends have been shifted to a spot beneath the profile photo.
Like almost everyone else, Janelle Nathasingh, 18, is on Facebook every day. It's part of her life. She knew of the impending change when she clicked the link promising more info. Unfortunately, she ended up with more than she bargained for.
"I actually went to read up on it and, when I clicked it, my profile instantly changed. Just like that. It was weird, because I didn't really want it, but I already have it. So, I got to live with it."
And she will live with it, because "Facebook has become part of my social life now. I won't consider leaving, even if they continue to make changes."
The profile redesign is only the latest in a series of changes over the past year. Others include changes to the privacy options in December 2009, the home page redesign in February 2010, the universal "like" button, locations and instant personalization in April 2010, and changes to the chat interface in October 2010.
Most, if not all, of these alterations have left Facebook acolytes up in arms, not only about the changes themselves, but about the way they were instituted. Users often complained about the lack of consultation and the lack of choice.
Mostly, they complained about the damage being done to their familiar and beloved social network.
After seeing them around on other friends' profiles, Stasha King willingly embraced the last round of changes. She immediately regretted that choice.
"I honestly wish I could change it back, because I absolutely hate it. It basically kinda took all the fun out of Facebook."
She's not going anywhere, though. How else is she going to keep in touch with everyone?
"It's the only site where I can get together with my friends. My parents are really strict and liming is not an option for me."
Jéan-Lé Jésus Des Ètages takes a different perspective on the changes. Jéan-Lé describes this change and others like it as simply a case of online puberty. The way he sees it, Facebook has become a cultural touchstone, "a fundamental part of the Internet," and it's the depth of users' attachment that causes the trouble.
"It's like he's [Mark Zuckerberg] constantly rearranging the furniture in our virtual homes."
He's sure users will get used to it, though.
"Facebook is a beautiful thing. It is these constant changes that made this network as immensely popular as it is and Mark [Zuckerberg] the Time's person of the year."
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