A new list feature is coming to Facebook.
Starting Tuesday, the social network is rolling out itemized lists that you can post as you would a status update. You can add colors and emojis to your list, and pick a bulleted or numbered format. There's so much potential.
Facebook is already pretty list-heavy, with users on their own volition ranking top movies of 2017 or favorite songs, and sharing them in status updates. But now it can be Facebook official. This new feature seems especially useful at the end of the year when lists are everywhere.
Here's what it'll look like within the News Feed:
A bullet list.
A numbered list.
You'll be able to create your own list, clone any you see in your feed, and of course, like and comment on your friend's lists.
The only worry is that all Facebook users will default to the ultimate list: The to-do list. Heads up, nobody wants to see a list of your errands. That kind of list is unlikely to spark conversation, instead just making everyone anxious about their own to-do lists. Keep that in your own private space — no need to share.
Even Facebook's sample lists include a "things I need to get done" list. What? Why? We should not be encouraging this kind of oversharing content. It's already too much to see everyone's meals photographed and posted online, let alone a mundane itinerary.
The dreaded to-do list.
The new list feature is somewhat reminiscent of the now-defunct li.st app. Even if that app is long gone, hopefully its more creative use of lists will live on through Facebook — if people seize the challenge.
Instead of just posting an errand list on your News Feed, take it to the next level with lists of random thoughts, inspirations, funny overhead quotes, and other non-to-do list topics. And remember, everyone who sees your status updates will see these lists, unless you set things otherwise.
Here's a list of things you could post that aren't to-do lists:
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Shower thoughts
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Fitness goals for that 10K you're running in April
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Podcasts to listen to on a road trip (everyone is always asking this on Facebook)
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Realizations/epiphanies you had while babysitting your friend's kid
Basically anything other than your plans to clean the litter box and then sweep the kitchen.
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