Watch CBS News

Tech Report: Facebook Introduces 'Expecting A Baby' Status

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Facebook is introducing a new status option in which parents-to-be can show their friends when they are expecting a baby. But the move makes particular sense to advertisers from a marketing standpoint.

Though I'm not expecting a baby, I did look at the page without filling out any information. Users who opt-in can specify when you want to share your information with the public or to Facebook friends.

For example you could say you want to share the news in a month and even specify who you're having the baby with; though I'm not sure they have any choice in the matter.

KCBS Tech Report:

Facebook commented on Wednesday and said they were not going to use the status for advertising purposes, but that they plan to explore that in the future.

The potential of this expectant demographic would be a goldmine for the baby-product industry since they have a lot of costs to face, from car seats to college education funds.

Finally, you should always be sure you want to share this information with the public at least in the Facebook sense. Do you really want your employer to find out you're having a baby on Facebook? What other implications could this potentially have on expecting parents?

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.