Friday Social: #Bendgate, #50pGate and #FacebookGate

  • Social Media

Our #FridaySocial is a weekly round-up of the key social media news stories from the previous seven days. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter – @Umpf / @Allllliiiii

 

1. Apple’s #Bendgate

Following the much-hyped launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in September, the internet has been awash with reports that the 6 Plus handset has been bending and buckling while in users’ pockets.

Whether iPhones really have been bending in pockets or its all an elaborate 4chan stunt, brands have been quick to jump on the #Bendgate bandwagon. KitKat was one of the first:

ByT_zRuIUAAynLd

 

According to The Drum, KitKat’s image has now overtaken Oreo’s Super Bowl power-outage response as Twitter’s most-shared ad.

 

2. Facebook Research Guidelines

Following the anger at Facebook’s recent mood-altering experiment, the social media site has overhauled its new research guidelines.

It previously angered users when it allowed researchers to manipulate people’s news feeds without their knowledge to see if this altered their behaviour or mood. Now, policies include clearer guidelines on what is unacceptable, a review panel to scrutinise research proposals and training for employees.

Mike Schroepfer, Facebook CTO, said: “We’re committed to doing research to make Facebook better, but we want to do it in the most responsible way.”

 

3. Trump Card

American business tycoon Donald Trump has fallen victim to a Twitter troll this week, retweeting a photo of Fred and Rose West.

The offending tweet has now been deleted, but Twitter users were quick to screengrab the gaffe:

capture_2

Twitter was quick to point out the mistake:

https://twitter.com/domjoly/status/516556038418747392

 

4. Facebook Real Name Row

Facebook recently began a campaign to force users to assume their ‘legal name’ on the site, suspending users assuming a false identity or alternate name. Late this week, it made the smart move to rescind this rule after pressure from the LGBT community.

Chris Cox, Facebook’s VP of Product, said: “I want to apologize to the affected community of drag queens, drag kings, transgender, and extensive community of our friends, neighbours, and members of the LGBT community for the hardship that we’ve put you through in dealing with your Facebook accounts over the past few weeks.”

Now, Facebook only asks that you use the ‘authentic name you use in real life’.

 

5. #50pGate

Sainsbury’s was left red-faced this week after an eagle-eyed shopper spotted a poster in the store’s window that may not have been meant for public view…

A fantastic exchange followed:

Capture

Lidl laughed in Sainsbury’s face, responding with this brilliantly quick ad that spread quickly on social media

By4M1z8CYAAKwpl