Sep

2011

8:38am, EDT

Facebook gives the News Feed a makeover, users get angry

Facebook

The Facebook News Feed now adjusts to show you top and most recent posts based on when and how frequently you're checking the Social Network. There is now also a real-time "ticker" that shows you what's happening right this second.

By Rosa Golijan

When I logged on to Facebook this morning, I saw several variations of "Yo, dawg! We heard you like Facebook, so we put Facebook in the upper right corner of your Facebook so you can Facebook while you Facebook." posted by my friends. I chuckled. And then I wanted to weep — because this silly joke could not have been a more accurate description of what I was seeing.

(For those unfamiliar with the "Yo, dawg..." meme, it got its start with MTV's "Pimp My Ride" — a TV show in which cars in poor condition were given custom makeovers. At the end of several episodes, one of the hosts — rapper Xzibit — turned to the owners of the vehicles and muttered a recursive statement along the lines of “We heard you like TV, so we put a TV in your car so you can watch TV while you drive." It didn't take long for Internet commenters to start mimicking the phrasing in macro images.)

The reason my friends were making these jokes is because Facebook decided to give the News Feed a makeover in an attempt to make sure that you're always seeing the posts most relevant to you:

Now, News Feed will act more like your own personal newspaper. You won't have to worry about missing important stuff. All your news will be in a single stream with the most interesting stories featured at the top. If you haven't visited Facebook for a while, the first things you'll see are top photos and statuses posted while you've been away. They're marked with an easy-to-spot blue corner.

Facebook

This change means that — chronological order be darned! — posts which are determined to be "top stories" by Facebook will show up first in your News Feed, followed by the "most recent" links. Additionally, a new real-time "ticker" in the upper right corner of the homepage will keep you posted on things by showing updates, comments, shares, and so on instantly.

Facebook

Does that sound like information overload?

Based on a quick glance through my friends' posts and at Twitter, many users think so.

Despite the folks at Facebook explaining that they have our best intentions in mind, users don't appear happy about the convoluted new homepage — nor the fact that Facebook is controlling what they're seeing more than they'd like.

Unfortunately there doesn't appear to be much we can do about this latest News Feed makeover (though switching the language option to UK English or Pirate did temporarily bring back the old News Feed for some people), but — for whatever it's worth — Facebook does offer some suggestions on making it slightly tolerable:

If you have a wider screen, slide the grey bar between ticker and chat up or down to adjust how many updates you see at a time. To control who can see your updates anywhere on Facebook, including in ticker and News Feed, adjust your sharing control or apps settings.

Related stories:

Want more tech news, silly puns, or amusing links? You'll get plenty of all three if you keep up with Rosa Golijan, the writer of this post, by following her on Twitter, subscribing to her Facebook posts, or circling her on Google+.

Browse: featured, facebook, social-networking, social-media

Jump to discussion page: 1 2 3 ... 6

Anoop Sudhakaran

Here is how you can disable the new profile and get back the old one,

Though personally speaking, I love the new redesign. :)

6 votes

#1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:58 AM EDT

Longhair

The reason for the change is to get people to log into their dormant accounts once again.

Even though I "deleted" my account, I still receive emails from facebook on a weekly basis for a couple of years now.

#1.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:16 AM EDT

Doug Ponders

well how do you disable the new one. I do not see where you explained anything to the sort?

9 votes

#1.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:02 AM EDT

Tomi-4146406

Why fix something that is not broken..........the new layout SUCKS!!!!

15 votes

#1.3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:40 PM EDT

The Quacked One

Apparently there is no way to change it -- therefor the lack of explanation.

2 votes

#1.4 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:46 PM EDT

bigskyposey01

I really dislike what you have done to facebook. and i'm not alone with all my frenz and family on there, they don't like it either. CHANGE IT BACK.

7 votes

#1.5 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:08 PM EDT

Crimson Wife

Try typing in https://www.facebook.com/?sk=cf

Worked for me and several others. Pass the word along and maybe FB will get the hint that users want the option to have posts be in reverse chronological order.

1 vote

#1.6 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:56 PM EDT

tyler

I'm in the minority. I dig it, probably because of this:

If you check Facebook more frequently, you'll see the most recent stories first. Photos will also be bigger and easier to enjoy while you're scrolling through.

Checking it a few times a day yields a pretty streamlined experience. This morning was confusing, but as far as I can see, they just put all the trivial stuff in the live portion and I'm seeing posts from the friends I interact with most.

Far from the worst FB update, but I see why people are upset. I'll take this and 'Subscribe' as a win though.

4 votes

#1.7 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:07 PM EDT

mssuzieq

I do like the new photo layouts since they are bigger but the rest of it just sucks.. I still don't see why they feel the need to determine what I find to be relevant...

5 votes

#1.8 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:45 PM EDT

Paul N

I had the trivial posts under control by not adding every trivial acquaintance to Facebook.

4 votes

#1.9 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:27 PM EDT

Emily Sue

FACEBOOK INCEPTION!

on another note, one way to get your FB somewhat back to normal is changing you language settings to "English UK" instead of "English US". The sidebar ticker will still be there, but it will get rid of the blue tab thing or whatever the hell it is

#1.10 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:09 PM EDT

Pam K-4150542

The new face book newsfeed is horrible. It is enough to make people dump them. I am considering that. If you go to facebooks page on facebook, there is over 48000 posts saying the same thing. Check it out.

#1.11 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:31 PM EDT

Anoop Sudhakaran

1 vote

#2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:03 AM EDT

rwalker-2504195

yes...its hard to put links on newsvine...next to impossible indeed :)

1 vote

#2.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:51 PM EDT

HudsonHorizons

Great article- thanks for sharing! If you'd like to change your new facebook layout, check out this article for tips on how to do so:

4 votes

#3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:13 AM EDT

marinersfan

Does Facebook not use focus groups, usability studies, or beta testing in their design process? If they do, they sure don't listen to them. This latest "improvement" is terrible, just terrible.

21 votes

#4 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:21 AM EDT

MastaCoz

Wait...Facebook caring about users?? Not a snowballs chance in hell! lol!

1 vote

#4.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:52 AM EDT

el-4145466

Hah, a bunch of us were forced to beta test for them starting a few weeks ago. I thought I was just mad, because my facebook had changed and none of my friends knew what I was talking about. The user discussions were a non-stop stream of complaints about it though and I know quite a few complaints were sent through their feedback system. Of course they went with it anyway.

Also facebook has to be the only website I've seen where they beta test new formats on people without asking if they'd like to opt in to it. Every other place I've been invites you to preview new formats rather than just dumping it on you and giving you no ability to change it back.

7 votes

#4.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:01 AM EDT

gordangrandpa

It is a surprise each morning when I log in to FB and see what they have decided what I like! LEAVE IT ALONE - GO BACK THE ORIGINAL!! Or it would be appreciated being told prior to the change! Or, let the FB members that want to be a part of the change and leave those members that do not want to your coninuous changing the rules - my vote - LEAVE IT ALONE, LEAVE IT ALONE!!

8 votes

#4.3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:10 PM EDT

breakingglass27

The original? gordangrandpa, you wouldn't recognize the original. I've seen this headline about a hundred times since 2005, and somehow, Facebook is still alive. Thriving, in fact. People accept the change in about a week and can't imagine it any other way.

2 votes

#4.4 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 12:35 PM EDT

Eric-4085576

True, but this time it is different. It's simple, people want to see things in chronological order, just like Tweets. You can control whether or not you want to see someone's posts in the old system, the new setup is ridiculous.

I don't care to go into friend after friend and tweak settings among other recommendations that they've had.

I think Google infiltrated Facebook with executives to cause a mutiny to go to Google+. :)

2 votes

#4.5 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:02 PM EDT

lgrisenti

I hate it & probably won't be using it as much.....also the Pioneer Trail...not at all

5 votes

#5 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:22 AM EDT

LuLu-3147938

This blows chunks!!!!!!!!! :(

7 votes

#6 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:32 AM EDT

Bill 1977

Yep, it's terrible.

7 votes

#7 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:34 AM EDT

Darrlah

I want the old one back. I have now signed up for google+ and will be leaving Facebook. I hate the new layout. I don't think I need to know what my friends are saying to their other friends that I don't even know!

25 votes

#8 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:34 AM EDT

MagnoliaSimms

I know I'm being a curmudgeon, but I don't want it to change. I don't want it to be more like twitter. I don't use twitter because I don't like it. I like the old layout where I could set it to either the most recent news feed (which I use), or the top news (which I don't). I don't want Facebook choosing which updates I should be seeing as most important. I'm perfectly capable of picking those out myself.

19 votes

#9 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:34 AM EDT

gerie

"unlike"

9 votes

#10 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:36 AM EDT

Liz71358

I DON'T like to be controlled!! Facebook is frustrating enough without this new-fangled crap.

7 votes

#11 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:38 AM EDT

BS Detector101

Above commentors, WTH .......... did they forget something ?

1 vote

#12 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:40 AM EDT

Jeff-3257039

I've like using Facebook to keep in touch with old friends, but this new design is tedious to say the least. I may not be signing into Facebook as much as I did.

3 votes

#13 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:40 AM EDT

ANTHONY-1703868

Oh yes you will. We have seen to it. Once you start..you wont stop.

2 votes

#13.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:53 AM EDT

KeithStone

Anthony, that is completely untrue. I had an account for one week before I decided it was a ridiculous website. After a year of trying to get my account deleted, I have finally stopped getting crap from them. One of the bigger mistakes I've made was signing up for IdiotBook. I have absolutely no interest of signing up again. If I want to know what someone is up to, I'll use that old fashioned thing called a telephone. I don't need to know that someone just ate a sandwich. I don't care if you have a headache. Just my two cents worth about an annoying website taking over reality.

2 votes

#13.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:36 AM EDT

cgtrav

Keith,

And 50 years ago someone said what do I need that new fangled phone for if I want to talk to someone I'll walk over to his house and talk or write him a letter.

2 votes

#13.3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 5:17 PM EDT

awesomepossumness

cgtrav, I see your point but just want to point out that 50 years ago was 1961.

The phone was hardly a "new-fangled" device, LOL. It was patented in 1876, and began to be installed in homes in 1878.

Not fussing at you, just giving you a different timeline.

#13.4 - Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:39 PM EDT

tmp1356-1517093

True about the timeline on the telephone. But, I can remember my grandmother saying that only one person on their street had a telephone. If you needed to reach someone you had to go ask to use their phone.

#13.5 - Thu Sep 22, 2011 1:54 PM EDT

cgtrav

Thanks for pointing that out

I'm getting old...... sigh....

#13.6 - Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:55 AM EDT

k_murderfaceDeleted

pamela gross

What were they thinking? They just opened the door so another place can take their place as a social networking site. I hate the new way! Please put it back. I also don't like the way it lists what they think is current or more newsworthy to me! If there is a site to switch to I probably will unless they take the things back and correct it. I also don't like the new things on the left side. It was not needed or wanted. Do they every ask the real people out here or is it just the idea of the it specialists who are geeks?

6 votes

#15 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:48 AM EDT

ANTHONY-1703868

Quit complaining!

3 votes

#15.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:52 AM EDT

CommonSense66

Did Netflix just take over FaceBook? Because they both are tone-deaf to their customer base.

7 votes

#15.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:01 PM EDT

Jenni K.

Google+ is available to switch to, opened to the general public today.

1 vote

#15.3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 2:06 PM EDT

Hosebee

I just signed up! Its really nice!

#15.4 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 8:40 PM EDT

Ziti

I've also signed up with Google+. Buh-bye, Zuck!

#15.5 - Thu Sep 22, 2011 3:44 AM EDT

Sarah-4156874

Trust me, many of us geeks HATE the new layout ourselves, so please don't bunch us in with the Facebook people. If they were like the geeks I know and am, they would know that the chronological order is the best way and would have listened to the people that actually use their product. Just sayin'.

1 vote

#15.6 - Thu Sep 22, 2011 2:11 PM EDT

Becky-4144908

If it ain't broke don't fix it!! This really sucks! Please change it back!

4 votes

#16 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:48 AM EDT

dianad-3884520

I actually made the comment on my post last night that they must be taking lessons from the government and continue to fix things that are not broke! I just get the new layout figured out and know where everything is and can find it and they change it. I don't think they listen to what the people who use their site want, but they do what THEY want to do no matter what anyone else thinks. They need to start listening to their users or they won't have any that can actually think for themselves. But then again, maybe that is what they want!

1 vote

#16.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:13 AM EDT

Chuck-4145766

Big Whup . . . it's changed. You people seem to forget that it's FREEEEEEEEEE! When that changes, get back to me. Luv ya !

3 votes

#16.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:32 AM EDT

Patsy Boyd

stop using facebook, its getting to be like the government.

3 votes

#17 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:50 AM EDT

tyler

22 deleted, ANTHONY-1703868 beginning a thread by claiming to be a Facebook employee and telling people to 'shut it and take it and come on back', ending with:

It's been great watching you idiots flounder. I am not an FB employee. Just had to point out how easy it is to get FB idiots mad.

You're suspended for a week for violating #1 of the Code of Honor.

Above all else, respect others. Address issues and arguments and refrain from making personal attacks.

Mind the second part of that rule, folks - way to much response to low-grade trolling in that thread.

If you see something disrespectful or inappropriate, report it - rather than further inflaming the situation.

2 votes

#17.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 3:02 PM EDT

ANTHONY-1703868Deleted

JoAnn-1038484

Stupid and a waste of time. I do not have an account nor will I ever because if I want to call someone or tell someone something, I don't need other people knowing when it is none of their business. I have a life that is full of important things to do and learn. Facebook is a waste of time and just one reason why our education system in this country is going down the tubes for junior high, high school, and college students. People that are on facebook several times a day be it there computer, smart phones, or whatever else to get updates clearly just do not have enough to do and do not know how to set priorites.

3 votes

#19 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:53 AM EDT

joe420er

hmm...you mean like you and newsvine?

1 vote

#19.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:26 PM EDT

CinnamonRed1

You would think that these idiots would have learned from MySpace's crumbling empire that you don't mess with something that is not broke!!! Jerks... they must have hired the myspace lay-off victims...

5 votes

#20 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:57 AM EDT

CinnamonRed1

It said...post a comment AND VOTE... where is the vote?? I didn't get a choice!!!

#21 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:58 AM EDT

John Scott-299785

I still wonder why Facebook makes changes that upset so many users. Are they that out of touch with their user base. Or is this really a minority of vocal people who object to any changes? I think Facebook has been messed up for a long time. Its way to hard to find what your looking for. I am not on it because I like Facebook. I am on it because everyone I want to stay in touch with is on it. I will say Google Plus is looking better. Now if I can only convince eveyone else!

2 votes

#22 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:03 AM EDT

BooCoo DaBreeze-3538574

Yes, if we could only orchestrate a mass migration to Google. I'd go right along. I don't know how facebook thinks what they have done is somehow better. Are you with me? Everybody!

#22.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:29 PM EDT

geturscripturerite

Whatever. Last time Facebook changed it's news feed UI, users were "furious" for about a week and then nobody cared anymore and everyone just accepted it. Same thing will happen this time.

2 votes

#23 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:04 AM EDT

in Washington-2248687

People got over it because you could change your settings to make it look like the old one. I absolutely do not want to see what my friends are doing right now on other peoples profiles. Too much Information! And I want to see ALL of my friends posts, in chronological order! What FB said was a top story, was in no way important.

3 votes

#23.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:47 AM EDT

Lousie

I like using Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes the changes catch me off guard and may at first be a little frustrating. However, I have never had a problem controlling the e-mail alerts I receive. In addition, I make sure my privacy settings are the way I want them.

I appreciate that the people who administer Facebook do sometimes ask for our input. There is always a give and take. However, we must not forget that it is free. It is Free!

2 votes

#24 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:05 AM EDT

MastaCoz

Google+ is free, LinkedIn is free, and so *was* MySpace....shoot even during the days of LiveJournal...so how is Facebook different?

1 vote

#24.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:23 AM EDT

LawyerGirl

Lousie,

"It is Free!"

So is herpes. Doesn't mean I want that either.

8 votes

#24.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:45 AM EDT

MastaCoz

Ugh, in that case I DO NOT want the gift that keeps on giving LOL

2 votes

#24.3 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 11:49 AM EDT

Lousie

I couldn't be "furious" or "angry" about something Ifor which I do not pay. For that I am pleased.

2 votes

#25 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:06 AM EDT

CommonSense66

But you do pay for it, you just don't see it as an itemized amount on a bill anywhere. You pay for the internet service you need to use it. You pay with your time by having to look at their ads. You pay if you play their games and buy add-ons.

4 votes

#25.1 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:05 PM EDT

KeithStone

Basically you pay with your life. Or lack there of if you're always on.

1 vote

#25.2 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 1:24 PM EDT

patd562

This whole facebook change they just implimented is just another way for someone else to control what you see and read!!!!! They should develope algarythems for morality (let the user choose what they want to see).

1 vote

#26 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:07 AM EDT

Mudfish

FB, in its wisdom, has decided that a woman I have never exchanged a word with is my top story, while my daughter has disappeared completely despite being listed as family. Apparently, to be top, all you have to do is have a bunch of unemployed friends who hang out on FB all day and make lots of comments.

3 votes

#27 - Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:07 AM EDT

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