Facebook has all of users data. And when it needs something, it's fair for users to ask something in return.
The social giant that has rebranded its corporate entity, revealed an app called 'Facebook Viewpoints', which pays users as they participate in surveys, tasks, and research.
According to Facebook on its page announcing Facebook Viewpoints:
Once users signed up to the app, Facebook will invite them to join programs.
The first available program is a survey that investigates how social media affects users' well-being. The stated goal is to “build better products that aim to limit the negative impacts of social media and enhance the benefits.”
"Once you set up a Facebook Viewpoints account, you’ll be invited to join programs. Before each program, we’ll explain what information will be collected, how it will be used and how many points you’ll receive for completing the program," said Facebook.
The survey called the Well-Being Survey, for instance, takes 15 minutes to complete and earns users 1,000 points, which amounts to $5.
"We’ll let you know how many points you need in order to receive a payment, and every time you reach that amount of points, you’ll receive a payment sent directly to your PayPal account," continued Facebook.
The Facebook Viewpoints app is open to anyone 18 and older, and every program will have its own eligibility criteria.
Initially, Facebook Viewpoints is available for download to all Facebook users in their respective mobile app store, only in the U.S., "but we look forward to providing additional ways for people to register and expanding to more countries next year," said Facebook.
With Facebook Viewpoints, the company offers a way for users to give it feedback voluntarily. And with that, the social giant is willing to give some money for their time.
In the past, and more than frequently, Facebook has been under fire for its data practices.
This is why in the announcement, Facebook took many paragraphs to explain that 'Privacy Matters', saying that:
"Before you begin any program, we’ll let you know how the information you provide through that program will be used."
"We won’t sell your information from this app to third parties. We also won’t publicly share your Facebook Viewpoints activity on Facebook or on other accounts you’ve linked without your permission. And you can end your participation at any time."