As a PM working on Facebook Groups, would you implement detailed member profiles visible to all, or keep profiles minimal for privacy?

Introduction

The trade-off we're examining today is whether to implement detailed member profiles visible to all in Facebook Groups or keep profiles minimal for privacy. This decision impacts user engagement, privacy concerns, and the overall value proposition of Groups. I'll analyze this trade-off through multiple lenses, considering user needs, business objectives, and technical implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Context: I'm assuming this is for all Facebook Groups globally. Is that correct, or are we considering a specific subset or region?

Why it matters: Scope impacts implementation complexity and potential privacy regulations. Expected answer: Global implementation Impact on approach: Would need to consider diverse privacy laws and cultural norms

• Business Context: How does this align with Facebook's current strategy for Groups? Are we prioritizing growth, engagement, or monetization?

Why it matters: Aligns solution with overarching business goals Expected answer: Focusing on increasing daily active users in Groups Impact on approach: Would lean towards options that drive more frequent interactions

• User Impact: What user feedback or pain points are driving this consideration?

Why it matters: Ensures we're solving real user problems Expected answer: Users want more context about group members, but some express privacy concerns Impact on approach: Would need to balance transparency with privacy controls

• Technical: What's our current capability to implement granular privacy controls for profile information?

Why it matters: Determines feasibility of a nuanced approach Expected answer: We have some capabilities, but full granularity would require significant development Impact on approach: Might consider a phased rollout of profile features

• Resources: Do we have dedicated resources for this project, or would it compete with other priorities?

Why it matters: Influences scope and timeline of potential solutions Expected answer: Limited resources available, competing with other Group features Impact on approach: Would need to prioritize most impactful profile elements