facebook for developing world
Facebook recently announced that’s its feature phone ( older, cheaper non smart phones!) app logged more than 100 million users. This app called the ‘Facebook for Every Phone’ became important in Facebook search for users in the developing world . In countries like India, Philippines and Indonesia these simpler phones are still popular and the app is becoming more popular among them. The app offers all the favourite features life, creating an account, seeing updates, messaging, photos etc However its optimised to work on much low data usage. This makes it better than accessing general internet app or websites. Facebook is also exploring working with mobile service providers for lower cost data access for Facebook and there is also plans for 0.facebook.com which will be facebook access for people who don’t have regular data packages.
This marks a slow revolution entering the small town and rural areas in countries like India. Not only it will change how people connect and share information but will possibly also impact access to economic opportunities through this social medium. A very interesting study done on facebook users in Kenyan rural areas highlights that people view facebook as beneficial to them and actually despite high costs, low data speeds and electricity issues access facebook to make friends and contact loved ones. India offers a different social and cultural context but perhaps its safe assumption that facebook and other online social media are making slow inroads in the rural areas, where they may be viewed as a luxury and desirable technology. While there is potential benefits certainly there would be potential issues related to culture and privacy which will crop up. Since its generally always difficult to control spread of new technology, its best to study and direct it for maximum benefit and minimum damage. This highlights need for Indepth studies on potential impact of this social media like facebook on Indian rural and small town populations.
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