There are a few key reasons why Facebook removed the ability for users to edit their posts after publishing them:
Prevent Spread of Misinformation
One of the main reasons Facebook got rid of post editing was to prevent the spread of misinformation. In the past, users could edit a post after it had already received a lot of views, likes, and shares. This meant they could change the post content to something completely different or misleading after it had already gained significant traction. By removing post editing, users can no longer alter the content of viral posts in this way. This helps curb the spread of misinformation that could occur from users reshaping an already popular post into misinformation or a hoax.
Maintain Record of Original Content
Another reason Facebook eliminated post editing is that it allows them to maintain a record of what content was originally shared. Without post editing, the original text, photos, videos, etc that a user shares will forever stay the same. This creates a permanent record of what was really shared, even if a user later regrets their share. It provides more transparency and accountability for what users choose to post.
Align with How Feed Works
Facebook’s news feed was designed to show users content based on engagement and relevance. When a user could edit viral posts, it broke the alignment with how content was ranked and fed to users in the first place. Removing the edit function means the content that users see in their feed better aligns with the original post that gained likes, comments, and shares organically from other users. It keeps the viral trajectory more consistent with how the feed algorithm ranked content and put in front of more viewers as it gained popularity.
Promote Careful Sharing
Eliminating post editing also serves to promote more careful sharing by users. It essentially means you have one chance to get the post right before its published. By removing the ability to edit posts, users must be more thoughtful about what they post since it can’t be undone or changed. This encourages users to double check their content for accuracy, spelling and grammar issues, and a consistent viewpoint before hitting share.
While users can still delete posts they regret or wish they hadn’t shared, the bar is higher to remove content compared to editing. The extra step to delete often causes users to re-consider impulsive posts they later regret.
Reduce Harmful Behavior
Disallowing post edits can reduce some types of harmful behavior online. For example, some users would unfortunately engage in trolling-type behavior where they’d post legitimate content to gain likes and shares. Then they’d edit it after it went viral to say something offensive, inappropriate, or misleading. Removing the edit function eliminates this ability to “bait and switch” unsuspecting users.
Limit Feature Creep
Facebook platforms like Instagram, Messenger, etc have continued expanding features over time. The edit post feature required storing edit histories and showing “edited” tags, adding UI complexity. Eliminating post editing helped limit feature creep that was making the UI/UX busier and more complex. The streamlined experience tends to be cleaner and easier to use over time.
Reduce Support Tickets
When post editing was enabled, Facebook likely had to handle many user support tickets related to it. Users may have frequently requested help undoing major edits or recovering old versions of posts. Removing edit functionality likely noticeably reduced support cases related to it. Less complexity tends to lead to fewer user issues and support tickets down the line.
Encourage Reposting Instead
If a user now regrets something major in a post or wants to modify it, Facebook would likely suggest deleting it and reposting a new version instead of editing. Reposting places the content back into feeds which can recirculate it instead of the silent edit which keeps it exactly where it already was. Reposting essentially gets a second chance of being seen organically.
Avoid Confusion and Surprise
Editing posts could lead to confusion if users were surprised by edits made after they’d already seen, liked, or shared a post. It could be disruptive or alarming to see content morph into something completely different. Disallowing edits avoids any surprise factor and maintains consistency with what users originally saw and engaged with.
Reduce Conflict
Post editing occasionally sparked conflict when edits were used in questionable ways. Users may have edited posts after backlash in the comments. Without the ability to edit, users can’t try to revise history or morph their words after being called out by others. This reduction in conflict creates a better user experience.
Conclusion
Facebook likely weighed many factors before removing the post editing ability users previously had. Preventing misinformation, maintaining transparency, encouraging more care in posting, reducing harmful behaviors, and limiting feature creep appear to be some of the driving rationale. While users may wish for more flexibility, the move by Facebook reflects wider shifts in social media policies towards fostering information integrity and authentic engagement.
In many ways, the inability to edit posts mirrors how offline speech works. Words can’t be taken back or undone once spoken aloud. The speaker has to stand by what was said. Social platforms like Facebook are moving in the direction of treating digital speech more like in-person speech in the physical world. Just as someone at a public forum would need to carefully consider their words knowing they are permanent, social media users must now do the same knowing posts can’t be edited retroactively. This shift encourages greater responsibility and forethought for how we use social platforms to connect and communicate.
While users may need to adjust to no longer being able to edit posts, Facebook’s decision reflects important changes towards fostering a healthier digital public square. The discussions and connections facilitated by social platforms are too important for misinformation and harmful behaviors. Facebook eliminating post edits is part of a broader industry shift to maintain the authenticity and transparency of user-generated content.