Facebook venturing into healthcare was predictable. Apple, Google are doing it and there is a plethora of niche platform doing it.
Facebook already knows us in more intimate ways than we sometimes know. They know what we like, who our friends are, they know what we share, they certainly have been following and recording when we share our medical conditions, health concerns and health initiative.
They also follow anything happening on their platform and there is no doubt they have noticed that patients have created a number of communities (private and public support groups based on health conditions, they are also keenly aware that studies have shown that these support communities in and out of Facebook are very active and engaged, in spite of Facebook dubious reputation when it comes to privacy
As Facebook mentioned, most Instagram users do not know Instagram is owned by Facebook and they are hoping their health care ventures will follow a similar path with patients ignoring or being unaware of the link between Facebook and the community.
How do you feel about sharing intimate health information in communities run by Facebook or on a Facebook owned platform?
On the heels of fellow Silicon Valley technology companies Apple Inc and Google Inc , Facebook is plotting its first steps into the fertile field of healthcare, said three people familiar with the matter. The people requested anonymity as the plans are still in development.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/03/us-facebook-health-idUSKCN0HS09720141003