Facebook and Instagram will offer chronological Stories and Reels to comply with EU law

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is gearing up to make some changes that might just shake up your scrolling routine. Brace yourselves, social media enthusiasts, because Meta is set to offer Stories and Reels in good ol’ chronological order! Why the switcheroo, you ask? Well, it’s all thanks to the European Digital Services Act (DSA), which has prompted Meta to revamp its systems and adhere to some fresh rules.

You see, the European Commission did a little spring cleaning and decided that platforms like Facebook need to offer alternatives that aren’t all about profiling users. In other words, they want to give your data a break and provide you with content in a different way. So, what’s Meta’s grand plan? Drumroll, please… introducing over 1,000 diligent folks working their tech magic to meet the DSA’s demands!

And that’s not all, folks. Get ready for more transparency, more options, and more tailoring of your Facebook and Instagram experiences. Imagine this: you’ll be able to feast your eyes on Stories and Reels from your buddies, and guess what? It’s going to be in the order of “newest to oldest.” Who would’ve thought? Oh, and don’t you worry, they’re not stopping there. Meta’s even creating a whole new team to make sure they’re playing nice with the regulations.

Now, don’t start picturing all this in your head just yet. While the idea of scrolling through chronological Stories sounds refreshing, Meta hasn’t spilled all the beans on how they’re going to execute this grand plan. It’s like when your favorite movie releases a teaser trailer – it leaves you wanting more, right? Just remember, change can be good, but it can also be a bit mysterious at times.

But wait, there’s more! Not only will you get to see Stories and Reels in a different light, but Meta is also letting you have more control over your search results. Say goodbye to the personalized results based on your past online shenanigans. Now, you get to see results based solely on the words you type. It’s like the search engine decided to ditch mind-reading and stick to keyword matching.

But hold onto your tech-savvy hats because there’s even more to explore. Meta is adding something called “system cards” to your Facebook and Instagram experience. These cards will spill the beans on how the AI works its magic to rank content. Think of it like a backstage pass to the algorithms that dictate what shows up on your feed. If you ever wondered why you’re seeing that adorable cat video, these system cards might just hold the answers.

But let’s not forget about the ads – the necessary evil of the digital realm. Meta is spreading its wings and making its ad library a bit more transparent. They’re archiving ads for a year, giving you the chance to see who targeted you and why. It’s like a history lesson in digital advertising.

Now, don’t think Meta is just doing all this because they suddenly felt like it. They’re all about embracing the principles of the DSA, which are all about being upfront, accountable, and giving you the power to steer your online journey. But hey, let’s not forget that Meta had a little disagreement with Apple over targeted ads. So, it’ll be a hoot to see if they stick to their promise and play by the new rules.

So there you have it, a peek into the future of your social media scroll-a-thon. Meta is cooking up changes that might just make your online life a tad different, a bit more transparent, and a whole lot more intriguing. Keep those geeky antennas up, because the tech world is always full of surprises!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Social Media Evolution

What changes is Meta making to its platforms?

Meta is making several changes to its platforms, including offering Stories and Reels in chronological order, enhancing transparency about how their systems work, and providing users more options to customize their Facebook and Instagram experiences.

Why is Meta making these changes?

These changes are in response to the European Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms like Facebook to offer alternative systems that are not solely based on user profiling. Meta aims to comply with these new regulations while enhancing user experience.

How will the new chronological Stories and Reels work?

Starting soon, users will have the option to view Stories and Reels in chronological order, from newest to oldest, only from the people they follow on Facebook and Instagram. This provides a fresh way to experience content and keep up with updates.

Will the changes affect search functionality?

Yes, Meta is introducing changes to the search functionality as well. Users will be able to view search results based solely on the keywords they enter, rather than personalized results based on past activity and interests.

What are “system cards” mentioned in the article?

System cards are a new feature that Meta is introducing. They provide information about how the AI systems rank content for various parts of Facebook and Instagram, giving users insights into why certain content appears on their feeds.

How does Meta plan to enhance ad transparency?

Meta is expanding its ad library to display and archive ads that target EU users for one year. This move increases transparency by allowing users to see when the ads were run, the parameters used for targeting, and more information about the ads they encounter.

What is the significance of the European Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The European DSA is a set of regulations designed to create a more transparent, accountable, and user-empowering digital environment. It aims to regulate platforms’ behavior and data usage to ensure a fair and safe online experience for users.

Is Meta in favor of these regulatory changes?

Yes, Meta has expressed its support for the principles of transparency, accountability, and user empowerment at the core of the DSA. The company has actively worked to develop solutions to meet the DSA’s requirements and has long advocated for a harmonized regulatory approach.

How might these changes impact users’ daily online activities?

These changes could lead to a more streamlined and transparent social media experience for users. Chronological Stories and Reels offer an alternative way to enjoy content, while improved search functionality and ad transparency give users more control over their interactions on the platform.

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