Facebook: pay to highlight a post!

Facebook is testing a function which allows users to pay two dollars to highlight their important posts.

This probably resembles a trap for cyber criminals. Currently being tested by Facebook, a new function allows users to highlight important posts to ensure friends on the social network see them. The highlighting of such messages will cost users…

While a donation is requested to proceed, there are times users will be asked to pay up to two dollars to complete the highlighting of their message. This amount can be paid by PayPal, Visa or Master Card.

A Facebook spokesman has confirmed that this is a test: "We're constantly testing new features across the site. This particular test is simply to gauge people's interest in this method of sharing with their friends".

Making it possible for simple users pay to for their messages or photos to be highlighted is rather surprising considering the careful image that Facebook has built for themselves with their public.

It is not so sure that the test – currently being conducted in New Zealand – will be overly conclusive in the end. Especially considering such a function (even optional) could be seen as going against the slogan inscribed on Facebook’s page: "it’s free (and always will be)".

Even if this may attract investors, Facebook would be wise to avoid ruining their popularity. It shouldn’t be forgotten that for the moment Facebook is only talking about this service being a test.