Facebook has been gradually rolling out a new feature that redirects comments on public posts to Messenger. When users go to comment on a public post, they are prompted to “Continue this conversation in Messenger” instead of leaving a public comment. This change has raised questions among Facebook users about why comments are being redirected to private messages.
What is the new Messenger comments feature on Facebook?
The new Messenger comments feature on Facebook redirects users who go to comment on public posts to send a private message through Messenger instead. When a user taps to comment on a post, they see a prompt that says “Continue this conversation in Messenger” along with options to open Messenger or cancel. If they open Messenger, it starts a new message thread with the person who made the post so they can send their comment privately.
This change affects comments on public posts from friends, Pages, and Groups on Facebook. Comments on private posts, like those just shared with friends, will still function normally. Only comments on public posts are being redirected to Messenger.
Why is Facebook sending comments to Messenger?
Facebook has stated that the goal of the new Messenger comments feature is to encourage more meaningful conversations. By redirecting comments on public posts to private messages, the hope is that it will cut down on spam, trolling, and low-quality comments. Instead of a public back-and-forth, friends can have deeper discussions in private messages.
Facebook likely also sees an opportunity to promote Messenger usage with this change. By prompting users to open Messenger to leave comments, it may drive increased engagement with that platform. Messenger is an important part of Facebook’s business, so giving it more exposure makes strategic sense.
How does the new comment feature work technically?
On a technical level, when a user taps to leave a comment on a public Facebook post, the app detects this activity and intercepts it. Instead of loading the normal comment composer, the app serves up a different interface prompting the user to open Messenger. If they accept, it launches Messenger and pre-populates a new message to the person who made the post.
The feature works entirely within Facebook’s app programming. They have simply redirected the comment action to launch Messenger while passing along relevant metadata like the post author’s identifier. This allows a seamless transition while preventing public comments.
Is the Messenger comment feature mandatory?
At the current time, redirecting comments to Messenger is not mandatory. Users can select the “Cancel” option when prompted to continue the conversation in Messenger. This will allow them to leave a regular public comment on the post as before.
However, it appears likely that Facebook will gradually make Messenger comments mandatory in the future. The prompt interface strongly encourages using Messenger and may eventually remove the cancel option altogether.
What do users think about the change?
Initial user reaction to the new Messenger comment redirection has been mixed:
- Some appreciate the potential reduction in negative comments and spam.
- Others see it as an invasion of privacy and overreach by Facebook.
- Those who manage Pages worry it will limit engagement and reach.
- Some feel comments have value being public and don’t like losing that.
Overall the change seems somewhat controversial, with strong opinions on both sides. But as it stands now, users are not required to use Messenger for comments if they still want to comment publicly.
How does this affect comments on Facebook Pages?
For Facebook Pages, the Messenger comments change has significant implications. Page admins and content creators rely on public comments for engagement and feedback. Being required to move all comments into private Messenger conversations could negatively impact Pages in several ways:
- Reduced engagement and reach, since conversations are private.
- Loss of valuable public feedback and reactions.
- Inability to convert commenting users into Page followers.
- Oversight challenges with conversations spread across Messenger.
Pages catering to specific audiences or topics may see bigger effects from limiting public commentary. However, if Pages can drive their audience to Messenger, it could provide opportunities for deeper connections and relationships.
Will Facebook reverse the Messenger comment change?
It seems unlikely that Facebook will reverse the Messenger comments change at this point. They appear committed to redirecting public comments to private messages based on their statements about improving conversations. And engagement on their platforms is still strong overall.
However, if the change severely impacts organic reach and traffic to Pages, or if public pushback is strong enough, Facebook may consider scaling it back. They have walked back unpopular changes before, like when they briefly tested removingLike counts.
For now, Pages should plan for Messenger comments becoming mandatory long-term. Developing Messenger-based customer relationships could help offset potential engagement declines. But the public commenting ecosystem Facebook has built over decades could be fundamentally changed.
How can users adjust to Messenger comments?
For individual users, adapting to the Messenger comment change may require some adjustments:
- Be open to private conversations when you previously commented publicly.
- Review notification settings if you don’t want new message notifications.
- Use Messenger intentionally for meaningful connections.
- Leverage other platforms like Twitter if you still crave public commentary.
Users can also still cancel out of Messenger and leave public comments for now. But Facebook seems to be signaling that public commenting’s days are numbered as they emphasize private interactions.
How can Pages adapt to the Messenger comments shift?
For Facebook Pages and content creators impacted by the Messenger comment redirection, here are some ways to adapt:
- Proactively invite post interactions via Messenger to retain engagement.
- Monitor Messenger conversations and respond promptly to comments and questions.
- Potentially disable public comments if conversation moves fully to Messenger.
- Use Messenger comment data to inform content and strategy decisions.
- Supplement with other platforms like Instagram or TikTok to diversify reach.
Adapting messaging and community management approaches to Messenger will become essential. Though public comments have driven growth for many Pages, focusing energy where users are interacting now may prove most effective.
Conclusion
Facebook redirecting post comments to Messenger is a major shift away from public sharing and conversations. The long-term effects on engagement, privacy, and Facebook’s value to users and Pages remain uncertain.
But their vision for more private and intimate interactions is clear. Adapting messaging approaches while continuing to provide feedback may help shape improvements. Only time will tell if eliminating public commentary can deliver the more meaningful connections Facebook envisions.