Facebook search just got a lot more useful.
The social network is updating its search capabilities to make it easier to find your posts. The update is starting to roll out to the network's website and iOS and Android apps, the company says.
Specifically, Facebook users will see three major improvements when searching : personalized search suggestions, the ability to search for their public posts or posts made by their friends is being integrated, and they now have the ability to search for what other users are saying about specific topics.
Previously, entering a search would return results for pages, people, groups, events, apps, or current topics. This was useful if you were looking for something specific – for example, a fan page for a favorite TV show – but less useful if you were trying to find more general information, like a discussion about the latest episode of the show or fan opinions.
Now, when you start a search, Facebook will bring up personalized suggestions to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Search will even highlight topics that are currently trending, making it easier to follow them in real time. Additionally, individual Facebook posts now appear in search results. A search for your favorite TV show, for example, might bring up posts from friends who have also shared their thoughts on the latest episode.
Similarly, you can use search to gauge what others are saying about popular topics and what has gone viral.
Facebook notes that search results will respect your existing privacy settings and won't show anything that wasn't already available to your friends. The new search features will make your posts much easier for others to find, so if you're concerned about your privacy, it doesn't hurt to revisit your current settings or change who can see the posts you've already shared!
