Big Changes for Facebook.

Over the years, Facebook updates have been a sad display of confusing page layouts and innovations in the hopes of making it easier to stalk acquaintances. A new round of layout changes are upon us, and this time, the change is huge. Facebook is retiring its iconic page and introducing the more streamlined “Facebook Timeline.” Essentially the Timeline is a visual account of your life experiences, starting with your birth.

The new Timeline is well-organized and surprisingly user friendly. Above your profile picture you now have the ability to choose a cover image which is geared toward building your personal brand. All of your public information is neatly displayed below your profile picture. The Timeline is structured in a linear fashion on the right hand side of the page. It starts with your current top stories and works its way toward the beginning of time.

Although positive improvements have been made, there are some notable disadvantages. At first, viewing my Timeline was like a pleasant stroll down memory lane. I casually glanced at forgotten conversations and re-watched amusing videos I once enjoyed with friends. But once the magic of nostalgia wore off, I watched my Facebook maturity gradually wither into that of an adolescent. This immediately made me realize that one's self-presentation on Facebook can definitely change over time.

I quickly found that the ghosts of Facebook past can and will haunt you. Every silly status update, unflattering college photo, and embarrassing wall post is available for instant retrieval by you, or any of your friends. Not only is this information readily available, it is also enlarged to comedic proportions. Luckily though, with ease and speed you can view, edit, and delete whatever your heart desires.

The Timeline is a unique feature, but the issue of privacy is a big concern. As a college student, current and prospective employers have access to my Facebook and could possibly use information on my Timeline against me. Most people do not realize the amount of personal information they are self-disclosing on social networking sites. When you delete something, that does not mean that it is erased forever. I stand by the motto, “once it’s posted, it’s permanent.” There are standard and custom privacy settings available that are similar to previous Facebook layouts. That being said, we should still be responsible with the information we provide.

The Timeline is a game-changer for Facebook. In the upcoming weeks the more than 750 million Facebook users will experience a journey into their pasts. Hopefully, they can edit faster than their bosses and relatives can scroll.

The Facebook Timeline can be considered controversial in regards to online privacy. What are your thoughts?