What does "see first" do?
The purpose of this tool with Facebook "see first" is "to show you the stories that matter most to you," according to its product manager. This new update also allows users to unfollow any friend, a group or a page they want to see updates from. This particular aspect is supposed to allow its users to deemphasize specific content. However, it is important to note that the way it works is still very uncertain. Users are not always able to see or understand what information about themselves (hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc.) they send to Facebook when they want, comment or share things on their own power. And that's a big deal, considering 64% of US adults use the platform and half of those using the site specifically to get their news. This brings to question whether this new update is to give more control to Facebook or its users.
Does this new feature make Facebook safer for its users?
While this may be good news for companies that want to ensure their messages reach their audience, it is not so much for those anxious to see inappropriate or harmful content on their News Feed - parents with young impressionable children in particular. The ads are visible to all users, and just because you can now select what you see, does not mean that you have full control over the things you do not want to see. The company has not made clear how the new function to filter the content you do not want to appear in your News Feed. It does not give parents access to their children to see or do to help block inappropriate links to external sites.
What can I do so that my children are safe on social media?
popular social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, have recently made several updates to their platforms to help control things like cyberbullying. However, when it comes to the safety of your children online, you can never be too sure. Parental control software allows parents a peace of mind with features such as filtering and blacklisting of inappropriate sites and social media guarantees. Keeping an open and honest line of communication with your children is essential to protect their online security, parental control software can help aid in this as well.
For more information on how parental control software works and how to start with a supplier, head over to our parental control examinations.