Facebook kills 'trending' news

Facebook announced Friday it will shut down the "trending" section of its newsfeed, which uses an algorithm to show users a selection of timely headlines.

Introduced in 2014 with human curation in its first version, the feature has become increasingly unpopular among users following accusations of anti-conservative bias and accidental promotion of fake news stories. Use has declined over time, particularly because the section was not easy to find on mobile. Tragically, "trending" reported its own death.

In place of "trending," Facebook is testing new features, including a "breaking news" label some 80 news outlets will be able to apply to some posts to highlight them for readers, perhaps with push notifications. Local news stories will receive more attention in a feature called "Today In," as will news videos hosted within the Facebook network.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up