Don’t ‘Be Like Bill’: Clickbait-Worthy Facebook Internet Meme Generator App Could Pose As A Cyber Security Risk


It may not be a good idea to “Be Like Bill,” a Facebook social media internet meme gone viral as one of those social media trends these days, which seems to poke fun at others who participate in the usual social media behaviors and pass it on to friends.

It’s an app like many others that have existed and requires an installation process with a terms of service agreement that most people tend to skip reading. Some of them are tantamount to click bait, according to ABC 7 in Chicago.

Bobla, the creator of the internet meme, had a rather concerning portion of the terms of service that was highlighted via ABC 7 that says the following.

“You will allow us to use, edit your content with our service permanently, no limit and no recover.”

Upon seeing this “Be Like Bill” internet meme terms of service at first glance, this could be perceived as quite alarming if one reads the fine print, but it was since changed at a later time. At present, the “Be Like Bill” creator says they do not make use of Facebook user information through their internet meme generator.

Of course, this is not uncommon as IQ tests, quizzes, and other fun stuff can be installed on Facebook through the use of meme generators and apps, but if you’re concerned and installed them in hindsight, didn’t read the terms of service and would like to remove the app, this is what you can do.

There is an apps area of your Facebook account where they can be uninstalled, including the “Be Like Bill” app. There is a listing of them on the left side and an “X” when you hover the mouse arrow over it.

For future reference, the Better Business Bureau advises to first read the terms of service prior to partaking in the installing of the meme generator. There are some clickbait-like promotional ads that are sensationalized to excite the user and in haste, take action. Here’s what the BBB states when taking precautionary measures.

    • Don’t take the bait. Stay away from promotions of “exclusive,” “shocking” or “sensational” video or photos.
    • When in doubt, throw it out. Delete unsolicited emails or social media messages that raise red flags.
    • Hover over a link to see its true destination. Before you click, mouse over the link to see where it will take you. Don’t click on links leading to unfamiliar websites.

Other internet meme click bait tips continues further on ABC 7 site.

If there are other concerns regarding what could have been collected by the company that provided the internet meme generator, you would have to contact the developer themselves to go through the process, according to WFVS 12.

The “Be Like Bill” meme is actually something that started trending the past month, and is considered more of a passive-aggressive dig at Facebook friends and their habits online, according to Bustle. There’s a stick figure named Bill on the right side, with a Winter cap on his/her head.

The internet meme looks like it got its start in the cold months, so that would make sense, so will Bill be wearing swim trunks in the summer? Of course, the name Bill can be replaced with your own.

The internet meme generator got its start on sites like Reddit and Funny Junk. It was said by a the creator of the “Be Like Bill” meme to do exactly as previously stated to create,”the meme as a passive aggressive jab at the overly opinionated, serial sharers on social media.”

Eugeniu Croitoru is the creator and even brought forth to the masses a Facebook page for Bill that has received around 1.5 million likes. One can guess that it’s gotten popular because it’s one of those “it’s so funny, because it’s so true” situations. But perhaps those using the “Be Like Bill” internet meme could have the case of “pot calling the kettle black.”

[Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images News]

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