Surprising Science — November 21, 2010

Facebook’s Communication Obsession

Will Facebook's up and coming messaging medium prove an important advancement in communication technology or just another step toward communication overload?

bigthinkeditor

Last week, Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder and CEO, announced that his company was to launch a new email messaging system. He wasn’t seeking to elbow in on free email services. This service would be “something different”. Traditional email is made for intermittent exchanges of content, he explained, whereas this new messaging medium will support “ongoing conversations”. … In a world where we already have emails, texts, instant messaging, video conferencing and mobile phone calls, it could lead to communications overload.

A collage of images featuring an anatomical drawing of a heart, a portrait of a bearded man embodying everyday philosophy, a brain illustration, and a smartphone showing an unread message notification.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Is it OK to ghost the people you date?”

Nicole has been dating someone for a while but it's not working out from her point of view. Is sudden radio silence an ethical option?

Collage of images featuring a classical sculpture, a close-up of a human ear, and a woman in a cafe expressing surprise with children nearby.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Can I ever swear in front of kids?”

Irene is on a bus with her young kids when two men come on, cussing like sailors. Should Irene step in and say something?

Woman wearing pixelated sunglasses sits at a desk, with graphic overlays of a line graph demonstrating workplace equality, classical figures in discussion, and a clock indicating 2 o'clock.

Thinking

Everyday Philosophy: “Should I have to work the same hours as my inefficient colleague?”

Rich is brilliant at his job. He completes work in half the time of his coworkers. Should he have to sit at his desk just as long?

Abstract illustration of orange arrows soaring upwards from converging lines, symbolizing growth, progress, or success.

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