If you haven’t heard the news, Facebook officially rolled out their new profile look, called “Timeline,” to the masses today. Announced by founder Mark Zuckerberg at the company’s F8 conference in September and described as "the story of your life – all your stories, all your apps and a new way to express who you are,” it will change the way many of you use the free social networking service. And while it is certain to receive criticism (what Facebook change doesn’t these days?), users will come to appreciate the new look and feel, if not really enjoy it.
If you type “Introducing Timeline” into the Facebook search bar, it will take you to a page explaining the new format and providing an option to upgrade. Once users upgrade, their timelines will be visible only to them for seven days, giving them time to review the information and photos they are sharing before their friends see everything. That review period can be bypassed if users choose to do so, but if not, the new timelines become visible in seven days. Users can choose content to be featured on their timelines by rolling over the content and clicking the star, which expands it to two columns. And Facebook’s pencil option remains for users who want to hide, edit, or delete posts.
Facebook wants Timeline, which is going to completely replace the iconic Facebook Profile, to represent your entire life. It'll be a visual history of your existence, starting at your birth (if you so decide). You choose what to share and what events are the most important – from your college graduation to your wedding day to the day you became a parent, and everything else of note (yes, you can add the day you were born along with an adorable photo if you so decide). Timeline also includes a new tool called “activity log,” which allows users to review and approve — or hide — all of their posts and Facebook activity, going back to when they first joined the social network. Users can also search for specific types of posts, such as photos or app notifications. The activity log is only visible to the user.
Aesthetically, Facebook Timeline really looks great, something that the Facebook profile never really has accomplished previously. Besides looking good, it’s also quite easy to use. The chronological order of the news stream that everyone knows from the old wall remains, but that’s supplemented by everything you’ve ever done or participated in: status updates, wall posts, photo tags. The further you scroll down, the further into your past you go.
At the end of the day, users will need to familiarize themselves with the new look. In the coming weeks, it’ll be pushed out to all user profiles (like it or not). Timeline is by no means perfect, but it will continue to improve. Not sure if you want to use it? That's your call. But if you want to really define the “digital profile” that others see when they look you up, "Timeline gives you that opportunity." So what do you think? Are you a fan of Timeline?
