I guess by now you’ve probably checked out the new Lite version of Facebook which was announced a couple of hours ago. Facebook went live in the U.S. and India first but a couple of hours later it went live to other countries as well. Facebook’s reason for coming up with Facebook Lite? To give users in countries where Internet connection is not at par with advanced countries a chance to enjoy Facebook without getting annoyed by the slow loading of Facebook.com. But, will the supposed “target user” of Facebook Lite actually use it? I could name 5 reasons why it won’t be really used by these users.
First, key difference between Facebook and Facebook Lite. Basically it’s a stripped down version of Facebook.com. When I say stripped down I mean all the candies and flavors (read: APPS) are gone. Facebook Lite is a straighforward social communication tool which only allows you to post updates be it in photos, videos or links and view your friends’ updates as well. It’s cleaner, it’s lighter, and it’s not Facebook, as we know it.
As for the three reasons why the intended users of Facebook Lite would still prefer the main Facebook site, here they are:
- No Apps – This is the reason why many users from those countries with “slow internet” connection joined Facebook. Whether it is Mafia Wars or FarmVille, these users come to Facebook not only to post updates about their lives but also to while away time playing those silly games.
- Too Clean – Facebook Lite is cleaner than the main Facebook site. And these “intended users” don’t want it that way. They want the eye candy, the information they can see and check, and all the bling blings that they can find in Facebook.com. Twitter is not so big in other countries because it’s too simple for these users’ likings. Facebook is gaining popularity among these users because its colorful and full of information.
- Lite is Not Always Good – I mean, there’s something about the term “lite” that connotes a not so good meaning. When you say lite/light it means something has been taken out. Whether good or bad, it means that somethis is no longer complete. And many people prefer complete rather than incomplete. Facebook Lite is an incomplete version of Facebook. And Facebook users certainly don’t want that. Well at least for those “intended users” of Facebook Lite.