Facebook is making efforts to regain Gen Z users by evolving into a tool designed to help young people navigate adulthood more effectively. The platform recently unveiled a redesign aimed at aligning with what executives believe younger audiences are interested in. This update includes a focus on local content and recommendations, AI-powered answers to common questions in Facebook groups, and the ability for non-users to RSVP to events hosted on the platform.
Though Facebook, now 20 years old, has seen a decline in teen popularity, Meta—the platform’s parent company—has observed that young adults still engaged with Facebook tend to favor its community-oriented features, like Marketplace and groups. Tom Alison, Facebook’s head of development, explained that two primary factors have driven the company’s product strategy recently. The first is identifying what young adults, particularly Gen Z (ages 18-29), want from a social platform, and the second is leveraging the latest advancements in AI.
In response to how Gen Z engages with the platform, Facebook has focused on enhancing its community elements. Younger users frequently utilize the app to find roommates, search for deals, and participate in virtual groups that align with their interests.
The redesign also introduces a new “Local” tab, currently being tested in several major U.S. cities, which aggregates local events, groups, and recommendations. Additionally, Facebook is launching “Weekly” and “Weekend Digest” features to deliver users curated lists of events happening in their area.
Leave a Reply