Do you miss the days when you could go onto Facebook and actually see posts in chronological order, from your actual FRIENDS, instead of just a feed full of ads or activity? Today technology infers so much of your preferences, assumes your likes/dislikes, or sets algorithms that dictate the content you consume.

Well, here are a few tips to make your Facebook Feed, and your life for that matter, just a little bit more bearable...

1. Update your notifications for your favorite pages

Not seeing enough of your favorite pages, groups, or events? You can override the "Facebook algorithm" by modifying your News Feed preferences or turning on Notifications. Navigate to your favorite page (i.e. https://www.facebook.com/PCWBN/), make sure to "Like" the page, then click on "Following" to see posts first in your feed and get notified for Events, Videos, etc.

Here's how:

2. Block irrelevant Facebook ads

When you see something you don’t like, block it. That stops that ad from showing up on your feed again. You're basically teaching Facebook what you like and dislike. It's like Pandora with it's "Thumbs up" and "Thumbs down", if you don't tell Pandora what music you like she ends up making some awful decisions on your behalf.

They are only machines; give them a break!!

3. Get notified when your favorite people post

You know who your top friends and family are. Spend some time and go to each of their pages, update your "Following" preferences by selecting "See First" and "ALL" notifications. You will see such an improvement in the quality of your news feed.

4. Hide or Unfollow a friend

Do you have friends who post constantly, or you just need a temporary break from their political rants? Instead of 'unfriending' them simply "Hide" or "Unfollow" them straight from your news feed. This allows you to see fewer posts but not risking any drama with your friendship ;)

Here’s how:

5. Adjust your News Feed to "Most Recent"

Tired of seeing the same old stuff on your News Feed? I would suggest adjusting it by clicking ‘News Feed’ on the top left hand corner of your profile -- then click "Most Recent."

6. Create Shortcuts & Favorites

In the left-hand rail of Facebook or hamburger menu on mobile, you have the option to create a "Shortcut" or bookmark for some of your favorite pages/groups. This helps add importance to that content so you'll see more of it.

7. ENGAGE!!

Surprisingly enough, the only thing that the Facebook algorithm really has figured out is that if you engage with people, events, pages, or content, it will actually show you more of it. WHAT A CONCEPT!!

So LIKE that post, COMMENT on your friend's cute baby pic, SHARE your favorite non-profit event. If you do, you'll start to see more of it in your feed from those people or groups. Wild, huh?!?

Stay Up To Date -

Facebook is pretty good about keeping companies and their customers up to date with their technology changes. Stay "in-the-know" by reading sites like THIS.

Blog post by: Lindsay Simpson

06/07/17