Facebook Launches Non-Algorithmic Feed Tool Despite Denials

Facebook Introduces New Feed Controls and Transparency Features

In response to ongoing criticism regarding its algorithms and their potential to guide users toward increasingly extreme content – allegations the company consistently refutes – Facebook has announced the release of new tools. These tools are designed to empower users with greater control over their News Feed experience.

The updates include the recently implemented “Favorites” feature, allowing users to prioritize posts from up to 30 chosen friends and Pages. Additionally, the “Most Recent” view, which displays posts in strict chronological order, has been made more accessible.

Enhanced Control Over Interactions

Alongside these feed adjustments, Facebook is introducing refined controls for managing who can comment on posts, alongside other related modifications to user settings.

While these features aren’t entirely novel, their accessibility has been improved through the addition of a Feed Filter Bar on mobile devices. This bar simplifies switching between different News Feed views. An option menu on individual posts now allows users to directly control comment permissions.

The “Most Recent” View: A Closer Look

The “Most Recent” view has been available for some time, but was previously located within the extended “more” menu on the Facebook mobile app. Its utility is somewhat limited, as it combines posts from both friends and Pages into a single chronological stream.

Given that many Facebook users have “Liked” numerous Pages representing brands, businesses, and public figures, the feed often becomes dominated by frequent updates from these sources, rather than posts from personal connections.

Prioritizing Connections with “Favorites”

The “See First” setting, previously used to prioritize specific connections, has been rebranded as “Favorites.” This new feature provides a centralized location within Settings to select and deselect preferred friends and Pages.

The Feed Filter Bar will facilitate easier toggling between the “Most Recent” view and other display options. The initial rollout of this feature will occur on Android, followed by iOS.

Refined Commenting Controls

Facebook’s updated commenting controls build upon a practice already common among users: sharing posts with limited audiences. Now, users can share posts publicly while simultaneously controlling who is permitted to engage in the associated conversations.

This feature could be particularly useful for public figures who wish to restrict comments to tagged brands and profiles.

Increased Transparency with “Why am I seeing this?”

Facebook will also provide greater context surrounding algorithmic suggestions through its “Why am I seeing this?” feature. This feature will explain the factors influencing the display of suggested content, including location, engagement patterns, and group affiliations.

Context and Responsibility

These changes are occurring amidst heightened scrutiny of Facebook’s role in the spread of misinformation, which has been linked to events such as the U.S. Capitol riot and public health concerns surrounding vaccine hesitancy. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently testified before Congress regarding the company’s handling of dangerous misinformation.

Facebook maintains that it does not actively direct users toward problematic content, asserting that individuals seek it out and that their News Feeds simply reflect their own choices.

Nick Clegg, VP of Global Affairs for Facebook, emphasized that personalization algorithms are commonplace across the tech industry, citing examples like Amazon and Netflix. He also suggested that users bear some responsibility for the content they encounter, and called for lawmakers to establish clear frameworks for content moderation decisions.