Facebook recently unveiled new user profile pages that have stirred some controversy (obviously). This new look is said to make it easier for users of this type of social media to share their interests and data with their friends, but some valued users disagree and prefer the old Facebook appearance to this new one.

The top of the new profile includes your basic information such as where you’re from, where you went to school, and where you work. And since there’s often no better way to learn about a person than through photos, the profile now includes a row of recently tagged photos of you. You can also now highlight the friends who are important to you, create new groups of friends, or feature existing friends lists.

The profile also gives you new ways to share your interests and activities. You can list the projects you worked on at your job, classes you took in school, your favorite musicians and sports teams, and more. You can also connect to the religions, political affiliations, and people you follow and admire. Also, all your interests and experiences are now represented with images, making your entire profile a more compelling visual experience.

Personally, I would have to say that the new profile is definitely a lot more appealing to the eyes, but it will be hard getting used to the new format and learning how to navigate the site again. The unhappy users who dislike the new layout are also probably irritated that they have to get used to a completely different design. But the new look of Facebook has many new unique features that I find engaging. Facebook plans to gradually get the new profile to everyone by early next year so start getting used to these changes! You can upgrade immediately to the new profile or learn more about the new features at http://www.facebook.com/about/profile.

What are your thoughts? Have you upgraded your profile?

- Elaine Nip, 451 Marketing