Facebook wants you to read before you share

Facebook explains that some users will start seeing a pop-up when sharing an article

(Web Desk) – Facebook is testing a new way to combat the spread of misinformation on its platform. Starting this week, the social media giant will show a pop-up that prompts users to read the articles before sharing them with others. This will enable “informed sharing of news articles,” the company said.

The pop-up is shown when someone tries to share an article that they haven’t opened on Facebook yet, encouraging them to read it first. “You’re about to share this article without opening it. Sharing articles without reading them may mean missing key facts,” the pop-up reads.

In the announcement tweet, Facebook explains that some users will start seeing a pop-up when sharing an article that they have not opened. The message will prompt the users to read the article but it will not stop them from sharing it if they want to.

Starting today, we’re testing a way to promote more informed sharing of news articles. If you go to share a news article link you haven’t opened, we’ll show a prompt encouraging you to open it and read it, before sharing it with others. pic.twitter.com/brlMnlg6Qg

— Facebook Newsroom (@fbnewsroom) May 10, 2021

Facebook says that the new feature is meant to help people be better informed about the article they share. The company is hoping that it could help combat the spread of misinformation on its platform. For the duration of the test, the new feature will only be available on Android.