Facebook will soon add an extra level of insight to search results. Several Facebook users reporting a new Knowledge Panel type display for a few queries in the main app having an overview ported from Wikipedia.
As can be seen, a new panel displays a summary of important information from Wikipedia. It also includes biographical info and a link to any official Instagram account along with a display of related topics.
This is similar to Google’s Knowledge Panels that was launched in 2012. They are also populated by Wikipedia info. Knowledge panel listing serves several purposes such as keeping users on the platform for longer, provide contextual insight, and add more authority to your presence.
Facebook, however, could help highlight questionable information. For instance, if you look up info about a person and the Wikipedia panel listing displays that he/she is a known activist or a member of a controversial group, you could see users second guess any information they were searching for.
Additionally, it may serve as a fact-checking tool for other terms of known identities. For example, if you look up 5G and if Facebook highlights a Wikipedia link that can help people connect with more credible and researched information on 5G instead of simply displaying a list of the most shared posts related to controversial theories.
Spreading misinformation is a major problem for Facebook with its latest algorithm designed to feed into the latest engagement trends. It means that more controversial, conflict-ridden posts and updates which generate a discussion tend to generate more exposure. So, an article about 5G as such may not generate a lot of discussions but a headline such as;
(Source: Social Media Today)
As can be seen, such a headline is bound to get more engagement and reach. Also, note that this was the second result in the Facebook search provided for the term ‘5G’.
By adding Wikipedia links, probably, will provide more reputable sources of research which may help reduce the spread of such information.
As of now, the new display appears to be enabled for some users in Europe.