Facebook Applications

Facebook is an incredibly effective social networking site. Its opening statement says it all: "Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life." Many agree with this statement, for Facebook has over 350 million active users. Of those active users, the average person spends at least 55 minutes every day on Facebook. Those 55 minutes of usage usually include time spent in updating one's status, connecting with friends, and taking part in one or more of the applications available. Facebook applications are special, interactive features that Facebook members can use and share. The Facebook Platform is a framework that was created in May of 2007 that allows members to launch new applications that have the same look and "feel" as Facebook. By the end of 2007, over 7,000 applications existed, and, since then, over 100 new applications are created every day. These applications usually fall into one of the following categories: friends & family, lifestyles, just for fun, games, entertainment, utilities, and business.

One of the most popular friends & family applications is FamilyLink. It serves the very purpose of Facebook; it helps users connect with family and friends. As friends and family are connected, they are able to talk to each other via online posts, and they are able to share videos and pictures. One example of a lifestyles application is Circle of Moms. Moms using this application can connect with one another, ask questions, and share advice, stories, and photos. The just for fun applications include Graffiti, which allows a user to draw pictures on friends' profiles. One really popular games application is Farmville. This game allows you to interact with friends while building and tending your "farm." Entertainment applications usually involve movies, music, or books; some of these are Flixter, iLike music, and Visual Bookshelf. Utilities applications help keep a member organized and connected; one that is very popular is the Birthday Card application which sends virtual cards to friends on their birthdays. The last category of applications is business. Marketplace is a business application that is a classifieds list (similar to a Facebook-only Craigslist) that is visible to other Facebook members. Applications are extremely popular and helpful; they make Facebook an even more exciting place to be!

facebook.com

This website is extremely helpful! The directory is very thorough and easy to navigate through. It lists no less than 20 pages of Facebook applications along with the category and their ratings (out of 5 stars). When you click on application icon, you can read a brief summary and view fan's comments.

http://www.facebook.com/apps/directory.php

en.wikipedia.org

This is a very interesting website. It begins with the history of Facebook, its founding, its purpose, and its financial statistics. After the history, the article then describes the website itself, the applications, and the platform. It also describes some of the legal issues with Facebook, including court cases, criticisms, and privacy concerns.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook

mashable.com

This is a wonderful tool to have, especially if you are an avid Facebook user who is interested in using Facebook as a place for doing business. This website lists the applications by category, such as business/self-promotion, networking, communication, and so on. Although it is somewhat cluttered by ads and comments, it is fairly well laid out and gives a good list to start with.

http://mashable.com/2009/01/22/business-facebook-apps/

downloadsquad.com

Both the title of this article and its contents are very informative. There are so many applications to choose from, and it is helpful to have a little direction. This article lists applications from several of the categories, so there is something for everyone. It is informational and helpful, definitely worth the read!

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/03/31/10-facebook-apps-you-might-actually-want-to-install/