If you use Facebook - as do many of my friends and family who follow me in this blog - you've probably received a request to play a game. Now, I spend far too much time online as it is and already have too many
addictions websites I visit every day and don't need to spend even more time playing games. I recently had a games request from a long-time online friend's son and hated to turn it down, but felt I had to. I probably should have messaged him to say why I didn't want to play the game.
It's not just that, though; if you use Facebook, you've probably noticed strange messages on friend's walls, saying they've entered a contest and you should too, or you need to view some video or visit some link where you'll see something "Shocking!". Sometimes it's even posted on your own wall. Those are the "rogue" applications that can take over your account. What's worse, if you click on the link and your computer isn't completely protected, you stand a good chance of having some nasty malware installed.
For example, I just got a request from a Facebook "friend" to install an application - it was a game called "Messages From God". Now, if I want a message from God, I'll pray for one. He's seen fit to send me messages before, some I didn't want to hear.
Anyway, here's a screenshot of the request. I cut out the application name while I was deleting my personal information.(I wasn't going to name it, but since they don't care about MY privacy, why should I theirs?)
Click graphic for larger view
As you can see, the application wants permission to access your basic information, even when you're not using the app. If you accept the app., you also grant it permission to send you email...IOW, to spam you. Since it can access your Facebook friend's information, that means it can also spam them. Since using Facebook, my email has had a ten-fold increase in spam. I'm certain that some of the applications my "friends" have installed are responsible.
That's not all; as I mentioned earlier, you're also giving the application permission to post "on your behalf". That's not only annoying to me, it infuriates me. (I post enough stupid stuff as it is - I don't need an application doing it for me.)
I've blocked the application and blocked any more application requests from my Facebook "friend". (to paraphrase an old adage: "With friends like that, you might as well have an enema") I've posted on my wall several times that I don't play games, don't want to be sent requests. *Some* people don't care - or read - what you post, seems like. If I get one more request from her, I'll just unfriend and block HER.
Facebook - other than that - is a great social media, but they sure need to do something about the security issues. It would also be nice to be able to just go into your settings and block ALL application requests.