Facebook Rumor Has Students Thinking

February 9, 2010 by Jessica Pleuss

Rumors that the popular networking site Facebook may start charging its members a monthly fee have students questioning whether they would keep their page.
Many groups on Facebook who are claiming that the site is going to become a pay site in July 2010 now hold close to 300,000 members.
These groups are based on the belief that Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, has received many offers from people who have realized the site's worth, and are trying to purchase it, and charge its members to remain with the site.
Rumors allege that members will be asked to pay anywhere from four to fifteen dollars a month.
Student Ryan Reik says, “I wouldn't pay more than five dollars a month unless they add something really incredible to the site.”
Facebook is denying these claims, saying that the rumors are part of a hoax email sent out to many of the sites members.
However, if the rumors were true, Facebook could see a decline in the number of its student users.
Columbus State student Megan Mills joined the site four years ago to keep in touch with friends and family that she does not see or talk to often.
“I would absolutely not keep Facebook if they decided to start charging,” she said, “because there is no point in paying for something that I do not need when I am already on a tight budget.”
A fellow student and self-proclaimed “facebook addict,” Kati Clem, visits the site atleast twice a day.
“I would probably remain a member but I would not pay more than ten dollars a month for it," stated Clem. " I think deciding to start charging would be a stupid move on their part because if you’re not a facebook addict, the extra money per month would seem pointless.”