It’s quite possible, the next time you’re about to update your status on social networking giant Facebook, it asks you to pay. According to reports, this feature is being trialled in Whangarei as reported by Stuff. Facebook spokeswoman Mia Garlick, in a conversation with Stuff, confirmed the tests and has been quoted saying, “We’re constantly testing new features across the site. This particular test is simply to gauge people’s interest in this method of sharing with their friends.”
When Facebook users were asked if they were willing to pay for their posts, the majority said no, while some do think brands can make the most of this feature.
Sudip Bhattacharya, a tech and Internet enthusiast, says, “I am not on Facebook to show that I am different or want people to hear me out... I am here to keep a connection with people in my past and present. The day that reason to ‘connect’ is chargeable will be my last day on Facebook or any other social networking website.”
Shereen Iqbal, a student and Facebook user, says, “I would never pay for highlighting my posts. Maybe, people who are too self-obsessed or those who want to promote a brand will subscribe to this.”
Commenting on the seriousness of this feature, assistant brand manager, Khalid Nabi says, “The term free is a very powerful word. It attracts, thus enabling visitors to see all the other things that you are selling. If Facebook goes ahead with this, they might have to pay for this not in terms of money but in terms of their users! Some other social network will definitely make most of this opportunity. Looks like Facebook is heading Apple way as Apple charges for most of their apps, and the same app can be downloaded on Android for free.”
Pramod Rao, VP, marketing, Zomato and a tech expert, sums up saying, “Facebook has already rolled this out for brand pages. From a brand’s point of view, if it’s made available here, many would opt for this feature as for a nomimal sum, the brand will be reaching out to many.”