Last year Facebook started a test giving users more background info on where a news source originated. The platform is now expanding on that approach.

Smarter reading

Facebook’s own research as identified key information that users rely on to determine the validity of a news source, and are making it easier to verify articles.

Along with findings of the original test, Facebook has also laid out two new features to provide more context for readers. The first is a “More From This Publisher” button, giving a snapshot of other articles.

The second feature is the “Shared By Friends” section, allowing users to see the news their friends have recently shared.

Who wrote it

Facebook is also testing if providing information on an article’s author is helpful in discerning quality news. The test consist of additional background info being provided in the Instant Articles section.

Users will see a button to follow the Page or Profile of the given author along with proof of their association to the publisher.

The latest push for quality news is a further endeavour of the Facebook Journalism Project to provide more context to news. More information on the project can be found here.

How have you found Facebook news posts as of late? Do you think the push for more critical readership is working? Let us know in the comments.