Social network drinking: Facebook alerts friends when it’s time to party

18 May, 2011 08:39 / Updated 14 years ago

One of the world’s major beer producers has come up with an unusual advertising ploy. Now just by opening a bottle of beer, you automatically get connected to social network Facebook so your friends know that the party has started.

This will be possible with a Bluetooth device imbedded in a bottle opener, which sends a signal online through your cell phone. Facebook, in turn, generates an invitation for all your friends living in the area to join in.  There is a risk though that if repeated frequently, this activity might be detected by a data-collecting agencies or profile-building entities. This could lead to negative consequences, such as insurance companies charging you increased insurance rates due to your alleged alcohol problems.