Facebook Needs to Fix the Fake Profile Problem
How many of you have had a discussion with what turned out to be a troll?
I'm in an interesting position in that my professional name is fake (at least the last name). I've been at risk of having my Facebook profile pulled since day one because of this. I certainly have more than enough documentation and a real picture of me to prove I am who I say I am, but for a bit it was a problem.
On the other hand, we have legions, and I do mean legions, of people who intentionally put up fake profiles to troll other people on Facebook. These people are using fake names and fake pictures, and yet Facebook cannot or will not get control of the situation. It absolutely blows my mind that Facebook has thrown a number of us in "jail" for things we've said, usually out of context, years ago, but they won't verify the owners of these imaginary profiles.
I joined a social network run by Sticker Mule called "Stimulus." It's a community of mostly designers and makers. Admittedly, I don't spend much time there, but to join I had to submit a picture of my driver's license and more to verify I am who I say I am.
After all of the arguing and discord that Facebook has caused, the very least they can do is find a way for people to be accountable for what they write. In the meantime, we need to keep reporting these spineless jerks who currently have no accountability.