MySpace Open for Development?!

In May of 2007, Facebook opened for independent development. A development platform was put in place, but anyone could create an “application”. After the appearance of these applications, Facebook’s popularity has increased.

MySpace has announced plans to open up for outside development. According to the Associated Press, MySpace will officially launch the MySpace Developer Platform on Tuesday February 5th. MySpace has not, however, announced the date developers will be able to integrate their creations.

The question now becomes: how will this development alter the growth and demographic of MySpace? Applications are credited with an increase in the popularity of Facebook, however MySpace remains the most popular social networking site. The discussion of popularity on MySpace inevitably turns into a discussion about spam.

Spam accounts have become a huge problem on MySpace, to the point where some argue that these accounts explain MySpace’s apparent popularity. A parallel can certainly be drawn between spam accounts and notifications received for viral Facebook applications.

Many Facebook users are frustrated by the constant invites to unwanted applications. Some say that these invites could be the downfall of Facebook. MySpace users already have to combat spam accounts and the problem of application spam is a growing threat. Could this be the beginning of the end for MySpace?