Facebook is working a way to allow users to create upto five separate profiles in a single account. This will allow users to create multiple profiles and dedicate different profiles to specific groups such as one profile for feed exclusive to their friend and another for family members. Users are able to switch between their different profiles according to Facebook.
This is the company’s major shift from the “real name” requirement they have maintained since its inception. With this recent move the Facebook is trying to engage peoples and also encouraging to share more content with others.
The company will continue to require that each user have only one Facebook account, with the main profile that continues to use the person’s real name. People will be able to access any additional profiles they create after logging in to that account.
The company says additional profiles are still subject to its policies and that they can’t misrepresent your identity or impersonate others. If you receive a violation on an additional profile, it will impact your account as a whole. Facebook says this rule will help prevent people from abusing its platform across multiple profiles. If someone repeatedly violates the company’s policies using one of their additional profiles, Facebook’s systems will recognize which profile was violating and take appropriate action, such as removing the additional profile or all profiles, including the main account.
The company is testing the new feature with users in select countries, according to Lam, although he did not specify where or when the option would be widely available.
The test also shows that Facebook is trying to move beyond just a platform to share updates with family and friends, as the company notes that additional profiles can be used to go deeper into topics you care about and want to learn more about. For example, Facebook says a user may want to create an additional profile focused on sustainable design, where they can follow their favorite brands and connect with others who share their passion. Facebook also suggests that additional profiles can be used to organize content about the things that matters to you. For instance, you can have one profile dedicated to foodie content where you can follow your favorite chefs and find local events and restaurants.
Meta is in the midst of transitioning to a company centered around a future, augmented- and virtual-reality enabled “metaverse,” rather than social media. But it needs to keep raking in profits from its existing platforms to fund investments into that vision. The company has recently been working to further integrate Facebook and Instagram — making it easier for users to discover content and engage with communities between both platforms by, for example, showing Instagram Reels in the Facebook feed.