Did you know that the new Facebook layout affects all Facebook users as of September 30? Yes, we are getting this new layout, whether we want it or not. It’s the most comprehensive change I’ve seen on Facebook since at least 2013 when I started my business.

 

Background on the Change to the New Facebook Layout

I learned a lot from Maggie Tilman’s July 1, 2020 article, “The New Facebook Update: How to Get It and Turn on Dark Mode.” According to Tilman, this update is one of only four major changes that Facebook has ever made to its layout. In case you didn’t know, Facebook started in 2004 and became available to the public in 2006.

Initially, I resisted switching over to this new look, as I wasn’t ready to change from the old look. However, I agree with Tilman that the new look is “cleaner, brighter and more contemporary” than the old look.

 

How Does the New Look Differ from the Old Look?

 According to Facebook, most of its users are very oriented toward their Facebook groups and events. That’s why these aspects of Facebook are featured more prominently in the new design.

That said, many users, including me, focus more on the News Feed than on groups and events. Fortunately for us, the News Feed is still on the home page. It’s just not quite as prominent as it was in the old look.

Everyone with the new layout also has the option to switch to a dark mode (background) from the standard white mode. Apparently, having a dark mode has gotten more popular on social media sites. So, Facebook decided to get on board and offer this option.

As someone who is over 60, as are many of my clients, I find that the white background is much easier to read. Others I’ve helped agree with me.

It’s easy to turn on and off the dark mode. Simply click on the arrow at the top right-hand corner of your screen.

If you’re in white mode and want to switch to dark mode, scroll to the words “Dark Mode” and click on the white circle. Or if you are already in the dark mode and want to switch to the white mode, click on the same white circle.

 

 Need Some Help in Navigating This New Look of Facebook?

 If you or someone you know would like some help navigating this new look, please email me at joyce@boomerssocialmediatutor.com.

 

How About You?

If you are a Facebook user, what’s been your experience with the new look of Facebook? What aspects of it do you like? What frustrates you about it?

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.