Video ads are likely coming to your news feed, and despite what a popular hoax message is telling you, they’re not going to be as bad as you think and you definitely don’t have a say in whether or not they are eventually implemented.

An old hoax is gaining new life on Facebook, as new reports of impending video ads hit the web. The hoax message features a picture of Mark Zuckerberg and claims to be authored by the CEO himself.

“For those of you that don’t know, I’m Mark Zuckerberg, one of the founders of Facebook. We are currently looking into playing video ads as a way to increase the profitability of Facebook. These ads will stop what you are doing every ten minutes and play for anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds. You will then be able to resume what you were doing prior to the ad playing. I’m sure that a number of people will be against this, so for your sake, we are giving you a say in whether or not these ads will be implemented. Share this photo if you don’t want video ads to play while you’re using Facebook!” says the message.

There are so many things wrong with this claim that I don’t even know where to begin. First off, Mark Zuckerberg has never and will never send direct messages to Facebook users – in fact, nobody from Facebook ever will.

Also, the claim that Facebook is going to make you stop everything you’re doing to watch an ad every 10 minutes is ridiculous. Rumors suggests that Facebook could be preparing news feed video ads that may run 15 seconds a piece – but they will only be shown to users a couple of times a day at the most.

Finally, the idea that Facebook users have a say in whether or not Facebook launches any sort of new ad unit is wrong. Sharing a photo won’t help you. It doesn’t work with abused children. It doesn’t work with account verification. It doesn’t help with getting “Mermaid Girl” much-needed surgery. Sharing a status never helps you achieve anything on Facebook.

Just use your noggin. If it sounds suspect – that’s because it is. Facebook video ads are on the horizon, and sharing a photo isn’t going to stop it.

[via Graham Cluley]