In an op-ed to the Washington Post, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed lingering concerns regarding changes to the social networking site's privacy settings. Facebook introduced its newly simplified privacy settings in April with what it calls "the best of intentions." Whether I believe that or not does not excuse the fact that these changes were announced without context to the user.

How about a "What that means for you" sentence or two at the least?

Facebook now plans to share user information automatically with "pre-approved" websites. Most people just accepted the change as a given. But when it was brought to their attention by other users, including the government, they were outraged. My point is this—unless users take the time to look into the change, they do not understand how they are affected. A simple message such as, "you must now opt-out of publicly sharing your information" signifies a change we, as users, need to be aware of. Better yet, why require an opt-out for such a dramatic change anyway?

Change is always inevitable, and with new regulations both in the private and public sector, all organizations including Facebook, owe it to the public to put these changes in context. Tell us how we'll be affected and what we need to do as a result of the change. With few organizations offering clear explanations on these changes, it’s no wonder we’re all skeptical.

Mark Zuckerberg has said he's heard the feedback and intends to continue simplifying Facebook's privacy settings. But it will be equally important for Facebook to help users understand how the simplified settings will affect them and what it means for their Facebook experience.

Providing context goes a long way toward building trust. I hope other industries will learn this lesson and that we as users learn a lesson too: Don't just accept change without demanding a better explanation of how we are affected.

Maybe Facebook will get it right this time.

Christine Mauro is a strategy director in simplification for the Siegel+Gale New York office.