There are a few potential reasons why your Facebook news feed may be scrolling automatically without you touching the screen:
Accidental Touches
One of the most common reasons for unintended scrolling is accidental screen touches. Smartphone screens are very sensitive, and it’s easy for your finger, palm or cheek to graze the screen while you’re holding your phone and cause it to scroll up or down.
This often happens if you’re lying in bed looking at Facebook before going to sleep. Your phone is likely at an angle resting against your body, so any small movements can trigger the screen. The same thing can happen if you nod off while browsing and your head touches the screen.
Accidental scrolling can also occur if you have a phone case that doesn’t properly protect the whole screen. Try taking your case off and seeing if that helps prevent errant touches.
Touchscreen Malfunction
In some cases, the problem may be due to a touchscreen hardware or software issue rather than accidental contact. If part of your screen seems overly sensitive or responsive, it could be a defect with the digitizer that detects screen presses.
Touchscreen problems tend to get worse over time as screens accumulate micro-abrasions from normal use and damage. If you notice the automatic scrolling issue happening consistently in one area, it likely indicates a touchscreen glitch.
You can test this by downloading an app that shows you where your screen is being touched in real time. Try tapping different areas and see if any sections trigger without being touched.
Facebook App Bug
Bugs or glitches within the Facebook app itself could also be the culprit behind weird scrolling behavior. The app may have coding issues that cause it to act erratically and scroll without user input.
Try updating your Facebook app to the latest version available. App developers frequently patch bugs with new releases. If you’re already up-to-date, uninstall and reinstall the app to clear out any corrupted files.
Also check your Facebook settings and turn off any auto-scrolling options if available. Some social media apps have features that automatically scroll new content for you, which could be accidentally enabled.
Phantom Touches from Water or Dirt
Liquid or dirt on your screen can confuse the digitizer and cause phantom touches and scrolling. Even a small amount of water or oil residue left by your fingers can trigger erratic behavior.
Make sure to keep your screen clean by wiping it with a soft microfiber cloth. Never use paper towels or harsh chemicals that can scratch the touch surface. Also avoid getting moisture near phone ports which can seep under the screen.
If the phone was recently wet, it may still have water trapped internally causing issues. Try placing it in a bag with desiccant packs to absorb any lingering moisture.
Screen Protector Interference
Screen protectors add an extra layer that can sometimes interfere with the digitizer and cause problems with touch accuracy. Using a low quality or improperly applied screen protector is a common source of phantom touches and scrolling.
Try removing your screen protector altogether to see if that stops the scrolling problem. If it does, the protector is likely interfering. You’ll want to replace it with one that’s fully compatible with your device.
Make sure to carefully follow the screen protector directions to smooth out any bubbles or creases that alter touch sensitivity. It also helps to use a protector that’s made specifically for your phone model.
Facebook App Glitch
In some cases, the Facebook app may be experiencing a temporary software glitch or bug that’s causing screens to scroll on their own. If a Facebook app update was recently released, it could have bugs that weren’t detected during testing.
Try force quitting the Facebook app and restarting your phone to clear any glitches. Also make sure you’re running the latest version of the app as developers frequently patch bugs with new releases. Downloading app updates can often resolve software issues.
You can also try reinstalling the Facebook app entirely to fix potential corrupted files causing problems. Just be sure to backup any data first.
Faulty Digitizer
If your phone has chronic issues with the screen detecting phantom touches and scrolling, the underlying problem may be a faulty digitizer.
The digitizer is the touch-sensitive component that detects finger presses on the screen. Over time, digitizers can suffer from degradation or damage that makes them over-sensitive and prone to false touches.
Unfortunately the digitizer is integrated into the display panel rather than being a separate replaceable part. Getting the touchscreen repaired or replaced is the only solution in cases of hardware failure.
Outdated Operating System
Using an outdated version of your phone’s operating system can also cause performance issues with scrolling and touch accuracy.
Make sure your OS is updated to the latest available version. Developers frequently improve touch responsiveness and screen sensitivity in OS updates. Updating provides important bug fixes.
On iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update to update. On Android, go to Settings > System > System update.
Updating your OS version may help resolve any software bugs causing the Facebook app to scroll and behave erratically.
Conclusion
In summary, unintended Facebook scrolling is usually caused by accidental brushes, screen protector interference, moisture on the screen, software bugs or glitches, or a faulty digitizer. Updating your OS and Facebook app, cleaning your screen, removing bulky cases, and handling your phone more carefully can often resolve the issue.
If the problem persists, have your device inspected by a repair technician who can determine if the digitizer needs to be replaced due to hardware failure. With the right troubleshooting, you should be able to get your Facebook scrolling normally again.