If it isn’t damaged, why alter it?
That mindset might have saved Facebook from some troubles. However, the social media behemoth — under Meta’s ownership — seems to be revisiting its foundational goal: reuniting friends.
One of Facebook’s most significant changes in recent times was the overhaul of its signature Feed. Previously a space for catching up with friends, it gradually became inundated with advertisements and algorithm-driven suggestions. Now, Facebook is reintegrating a more recognizable experience — in a way.
As per a recent statement from the company, the platform is reinstating a specific Friends Feed as part of a wider initiative to revive what it refers to as “OG Facebook experiences.”
“Connecting with friends has always been integral to Facebook since its inception,” the company stated in a press release. “Throughout the years, Facebook has evolved to cater to changing demands and has created top-notch experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace, and more, but the essence of friendship has diminished. We will be introducing several ‘OG’ Facebook experiences over the year, starting with the upgraded Friends tab.”
This new Friends tab aims to help users discover content from individuals they genuinely know. It will solely showcase stories, Reels, posts, and friend requests from your contacts — without the distractions of suggested content or advertisements.
Users can also pin the Friends tab for easy access. To do this, visit your profile picture, select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings,” go to “Tab Bar,” and customize it by choosing “Friends” to pin the tab.
“Social media should embody social interactions,” Meta highlighted. “In that vein, we’re planning to introduce more enjoyable, straightforward experiences to foster connection and sharing on Facebook throughout the year.”
It appears Facebook is finally heeding the voices of users who yearn for the platform’s initial allure — a space for keeping in touch with friends, not merely browsing through ceaseless recommendations.