Last week, Facebook finally responded to the wave of anonymous social networks that have grabbed headlines in the last few months. But its new app – Facebook Rooms – is no Secret or Whisper. The mobile-only platform allows users to discuss topics in specialized, private forums (or ‘Rooms) under pseudonyms.
Facebook’s decision to provide a platform for pseudonymous discussions might represent a break from its previous policy but is very much in line with current attitudes and behaviors among digital consumers. It’s certainly telling that more than 50% of internet users say that one of their motivations for getting online is to take on a different personality.
And while Rooms may seem like a throwback concept, it’s worth noting that more than 40% of internet users are still writing on forums or message boards each month.
