Facebook changes to look more like TikTok

This spring I had tried to use Facebook by viewing posts in chronological order for two weeks, and the experience had reinforced my idea that few people I know still post content on the platform with any regularity. Businesses are doing well, but it’s hardly anyone who hopes to spend more time with them. The experience, of course, will vary depending on how active your social circle is on Facebook and how many media outlets you follow (even if Facebook is moving away from informationbased on the top twenty posts at the top of my Most Recent feed, it’s not reciprocal).

Fortunately, as already happens on Instagram, there is possibility to add “Favorites” to the Feeds section, which allows you to highlight the people and pages you really care about seeing updates. How often your friends post will presumably remain an issue, but at least you won’t have to scroll too far to find them when they do. Also, although the advertisements will remain in Feeds as well, luckily the suggested posts have disappeared.

Meanwhile, Facebook’s new default will have you rolling in front of your eyes again more random content. “This system takes into account thousands of signals that help to tidy up and classify the content in the order we deem most valuable – wrote the company in the press release announcing the changes -. We are investing in artificial intelligence to best present recommended content“.

Although Facebook claims that on Home users will continue to see people they know, the new section looks like made on purpose to prioritize casual encounters that are the basis of much of TikTok’s virality. Even Instagram – where the main viewing mode has been flooded with Reel and suggested posts – can give an idea of ​​where Facebook is heading.

All in all, the news announced by Facebook they do not deviate very far from the current state of the News Feed. While you won’t be able to set Feeds as your default viewing mode, at least you will be able to pin them to the shortcut bar at the bottom (iOS) or top (Android) on the app, when the news will be made available globally in the coming days. Maybe the updates won’t push you to stay on Facebook more, but they should make the experience more enjoyable when you do.

This article originally appeared on Wired US.