A simplified alternative to Facebook was recently made available for a select amount of users to test out. Facebook “Lite” is not completed yet and kinks are still being worked out, but it is apparently a faster loading version of the popular social networking site that enables users to make comments, write on people’s walls, view photos & videos, and make status updates. It is being tested in countries that have many first time users who are looking for a simplified experience.

There are speculations that Facebook “Lite” was constructed to compete directly with Twitter. The reason for this may be that the interface of Twitter is more simple and easier to manage than Facebook’s. Facebook can be complex and congested at times, especially with increased content on News Feeds and advertising. When initially logging onto your homepage you are immediately bombarded by your news feed, suggestions, sponsors, and highlights. This Facebook “Lite” version migrates towards what people are looking for which is overall functionality that is simplified. The goal of these tools it so make our lives easier, not more complicated, right?

The simplification and integration of the tools that are used on a daily basis to communicate has become a trend. Take for instance, TweekDeck, which is a free download that provides users with a single platform to tweet directly from multiple accounts, create and personalize groups to follow, and update Facebook status. Alongside TweetDeck a new web-based application, TweetFunnel, has recently been introduced which labels users as administrators, publishers, and contributors while providing them the ability to update multiple Twitter accounts using Bit.ly, schedule, monitor and assign the posting of Tweets from within the platform. Seesmic, which started out as a short video sharing service, is also vying for the spotlight by now allowing users to access and manage Facebook Pages. Users can view and post feeds from any page that they are fans of as well as manage their own.

There is a need for a single platform that allows users the ease of filtering through what is important to them without feeling overwhelmed because people today are looking for a more efficient way to stay organized while maintaining the ability to stay up to date with everything that is current. All of these new applications are combining what people use the most because it is more efficient for them to go to one place to be able to connect to more while getting less aggravated with all of the clutter.