Facebook recently added a new 'information center' to the News Feed section of the platform. The information center will encourage users to practice social distancing during the global pandemic, and it will also inform users about the number of cases. The information will be rolled out during the next 24 hours to users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy France, and Spain. Following that, Facebook will look to add the feature to other countries.
Facebook will be customizing the information presented to users based on what is happening in that location. Mark Zuckerberg spoke about how the information will be customized, "We're designing it to be very adaptive so that on a day-to-day basis the messages ... vary from location to location."
Mobile Virus-Related News Tabs
Facebook Added an Information Center to Its Platform for COVID-19
Trend Themes
1. Social Distancing Reminders - There is an opportunity to create tools and platforms that remind people to practice social distancing.
2. Localized Information Centers - There is an opportunity to create localized information centers that provide customized information based on geographic location.
3. Virus-related News Tabs - There is an opportunity to create virus-related news tabs or sections on platforms to keep users informed on the latest news and updates.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Social media platforms can innovate by adding information centers and virus-related news tabs.
2. Technology - Technology companies can innovate by creating tools and platforms that remind people to practice social distancing and provide localized information.
3. Public Health - Public health organizations can innovate by partnering with technology companies and social media platforms to provide accurate and localized information on the pandemic.