Facebook is no longer just a "toy," but a way of communication.

via AP:

NEW YORK - The Wall Street Journal has just accepted Facebook's request to be online friends.

Hoping to tap into the growing buzz of online social networks, the Journal is adding a feature to its Web site that will allow readers to see which Journal stories are popular among that user's Facebook friends.

The feature, which goes live early Wednesday morning, is called "SeenThis?" and is powered by a company called Loomia Inc. Financial terms weren't disclosed...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080130/ap_on_hi_te/apfn_wsj_widget

The question here seems to be: Do Facebook users want the real world encroaching on, what in essence is a safe, controlled space existing independent of the weight of reality? Keep in mind that this will be up against Facebook apps devoted to popular activities such as throwing turkeys at people. I don't use that example as a way to be dismissive, only to draw attention to the fact that, at least as of now, the most popular Facebook apps require very little of their users.

However, this sort of evolution could be exactly what Facebook needs to stay relevant. To grow with its users, and to find a way to be indispensable and not simply the current mega-trend. But will the outside world be welcome in the insular, playful environment of the current Facebook? I don't know.

I have noticed in recent weeks a trend towards apps and groups that reference current events and concerns. For instance, someone recently sent me the I Am Green application, and in reading a friend's mini-feed, I noticed she joined the "I endorse Barak Obama -- and I'm telling my friends!" group. But again, these are examples of controlled seepage of current events. These are people claiming and identifying. Will a tide of news about events not controllable by its readers get the same reception?

Maybe. It would be great to have a place to discuss current events and articles among friends, but that seems like one of those ideas that seems perfect but just doesn't gain the following it needs to succeed in the space.

I agree, there are certainly privacy/ethical issues that are being re-evaluated in the journalism industry. There's no "right" answer, just different levels of values and principles.

I liken it to overhearing a conversation in a cafe, or in a busy store. You "hear" the gossip on Facebook, but does that allow you to automatically use it? I think most journalists will seek permission from sources first, but we can't deny the fact that the Internet is increasingly becoming a venue for communication. Young people interact and communicate with each other in these places, and as journalists we can't sit idly by and not be a part of the conversation.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/02/08/facebook.vote/index.html?iref=mp...