It’s coming. Whether you like it or not, in 4 days on January 31, Facebook will be rolling out the new Timeline for all Facebook users.
Timeline is the new Facebook Profile format. One of the biggest visual changes that you will notice is the use of a “Cover Photo,” which is a large horizontal photo at the top of your timeline, above your profile picture. This photo is public, which means that anyone on the internet has permission to see it, regardless if they are a Facebook friend or not! If you are not comfortable sharing a Cover Photo don’t worry, it’s not a requirement to have one! Remember, that the Cover Photo does not replace your Profile Picture, which is the photo that your friends see next to your name.
Updating your personal information, including relationship status, employment and contact information, has changed too. To access your personal information, click “Update Info” under your Cover Photo on your Timeline. Here you will be able to update information, and privacy of the information. In each information box there will be a small graphic to the right, either a globe (public), person (friends), lock (only you), or a cog (specific groups). Choose the privacy setting that is right for you!
Here’s where people get nervous about the Facebook Timeline – easy access to past events, posts and photos. I signed up for Facebook March of 2008, which means, if I want to see what was going on in my life then, all I have to do is click 2008. Now, Facebook started in 2004, and was open only for university students. Meaning, if you actively posted party photos, funny stories from your university years, you may be concerned, especially if you have an open profile, or have your friended your employer. If you want to hide photos of an ex-boyfriend, or a wild night out with the girls, simply go to that story, click the pencil/marker button, and click “Hide from Timeline.” The story/photos/posts will be hidden from your Timeline, but will show up in your activity log (which only you can see)! There is also the option to delete the specific photo, or post.
Moving forward with the new Timeline, Facebook has given us the option to choose the audience each time we post photos, comments, links or videos. These options, as before, are public, friends, select groups or only you. It is going to take some time getting used to the new look, but eventually we will settle in, and start to see the benefits from this new format! Happy Facebooking!