Will Unthink.Com Undo Facebook?

COMMENTARY | Dear Facebook, users want control of their privacy. Think you can manage it? That's right. No, you can't.

Unthink has arrived. The anti-Facebook, if you will. When I first saw all the hype surrounding the site, all I could think was "great, another Google+." Then I started to imagine what it would be like if all the things I hated about Facebook suddenly changed to what I wanted, not what the greedy, clueless Mark Zuckerberg wanted. Let's face it. Facebook isn't "our" social network, it's his for making millions and sharing our information with app developers and friends we don't even want.

The entire premise of Unthink's marketing campaign is to be everything Facebook isn't. Users remain control of their privacy. In fact, Facebook's Terms of Service state they can change settings at any point, meaning I have no choice and my privacy settings can and will be changed to suit Facebook's needs at any point. Privacy controls alone give Unthink an edge over other social networks. Since it's created by a parent who didn't want their son on Facebook, parents alone will want to try it out.

While I haven't personally tried Unthink yet, transferring my Facebook information over makes it even more appealing. After Facebook's recent changes, I'm one of the many who are unhappy. I can no longer hide any comments I make without numerous steps for each individual post and begging friends to keep their posts private as well. This is why I have yet to truly take Google+ for a test run. A quick once-over and it's all more of the same.

I personally would love to have control over my information. I've noticed even after I log off of Facebook, my activity is tracked. How do I know? I can log out and browse for random information. I clear all my cookies and history, but the next day all the ads on Facebook are related to my searches the night before. Coincidence? No. This is why I only play a few games, especially now that Facebook "tells" me what posts are important from my friends. Unthink even provides a way to opt out of ads altogether for only $2 per month.

Does Unthink stand a chance at toppling Facebook? Possibly. Some call it "the new Facebook." So far, it appears to be the "anti-Facebook" instead. I see Unthink as a competitor to be noticed, but with so many fully addicted to Facebook and the available apps, it will become more like Twitter. It is different and offers a new way to socialize. I'm ready for freedom. I'll see you on Unthink.com.

Sources:

PCMag.com - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2395364,00.asp#fbid=PcDwKMmqASX

TechCrunch.com - http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/25/anti-facebook-social-network-unthink-launches-to-public/

CNN.com - http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/26/tech/social-media/unthink-social-network/index.html