Facebook Viewpoints: We already know that apps like Facebook try to learn as much about you as possible. So why not at least get paid for it?
Facebook unveiled a new app called Facebook Viewpoints. The new app will pay you to take surveys, complete surveys, and perform other tasks.
The company claims that “the best way to improve its products is to get information directly from the people who use them.” This information will be taken and used across the company’s portfolio, namely the Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook apps.
The new service requires you to sign up, and you’ll receive invitations to participate in various programs. The first program available is a study that examines how social media affects your well-being. The stated goal is to “develop better products to limit the negative effects of social media and enhance the benefits.”.
Facebook also says it will let you know what information it collects, how it will be used, and how many points you will earn after completing the program. The well-being survey, for example, takes 15 minutes to complete and you will earn 1,000 points, which is equivalent to five dollars.
But it seems there is a minimum amount for the payout. Facebook's support page says it will let you know how many points are needed to receive the payout. Facebook will send the money via PayPal. and says it should arrive "within 7 to 10 days" once you reach the payout threshold.
It should be mentioned that Facebook has been in trouble many times for its data collection practices, so it will be very interesting to see what happens now that the company offers a way to provide this data voluntarily.
The company promises that it will not sell the information it collects to third parties and that it will not publicly share your activity without your permission.
Before you proceed, however, think again about the reliability of the company, as it is not known for keeping its promises.
The app is available for download from your favorite app store for anyone 18 years of age or older living in the U.S. It will be available in Europe in 2020.
