Fake Facebook "Dislike" Button Leads to More Dislike

Discoblog
By Joseph Calamia
Aug 17, 2010 1:38 AMNov 19, 2019 9:13 PM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

They only wanted to show their disapproval. Friends eager to counterbalance all those Facebook "Likes" rushed to "Download the official DISLIKE button now" as received in a message. But, sadly, no dislike button was in store. Instead, installing the application provided users with several surveys and left their profiles vulnerable to spammer control. If there was ever a time to unleash their Dislike, this was it. Yet, as Graham Cluley of the security firm Sophos told the BBC--mentioning a similar ploy that offered Facebookers the chance to see an anaconda vomiting up a hippo--such "survey scam" applications are nothing new:

"Anyone can write a Facebook app--these scams are constantly springing up."

Perhaps Facebook should take note: Users were willing to sacrifice their security for the mere power to express negative feedback. Or, at least, the mere power to express negative feedback without typing. Perhaps a compromise is in order? Unfortunately, a new Meh button application seems to need some tweaking. As in the Atlantic Wire:

Turns out, every time you click the "meh" button it registers your vote—allowing an individual user to "meh" something 10,000 times or more. That's a lot of indifference.

Related Content: Discoblog: Teen Sues Mom for Hacking His Facebook Account Discoblog: Bulgarian Politician Punished for Playing Farmville During Budget Meetings Discoblog: Are Happy Facebook Pics Proof That You Aren’t Depressed? Discoblog: Desperate For Facebook Friends? Buy Some! Discoblog: Computer Program Can “Out” Gay Facebook UsersImage: Facebook

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.