Facebook often faces criticism for being chaotic or too focused on social interactions. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll find numerous features that can significantly enhance your everyday life. Here are several that stand out…
1 Fundraising
A standout feature on Facebook is its fundraising tool. This powerful asset helps individuals raise money for a variety of causes they care about, whether it be for personal crises, community initiatives, or global charities.
Setting up a fundraiser is straightforward—just create one via the app or website and encourage your friends and family to contribute. I’ve witnessed fundraisers for everything from disease awareness campaigns to animal rescues, and it’s remarkable to see the level of support that people can gather for a cause.
Even better, Facebook charges no fees for donations made to most nonprofit entities. This ensures that more of the funds go directly to the intended cause, allowing for a meaningful impact.
2 Gaming
If you’re into gaming, Facebook Gaming is a hidden treasure. It allows users to play a wide range of games—from lighthearted puzzles to intense competitive experiences—all without needing to download individual apps for each game.
What I appreciate is being able to explore multiple games directly within the Facebook app, which helps me keep my phone organized. Additionally, these games are linked to your profile, making it easy to showcase accomplishments or invite friends to join the fun.
3 Local Business Pages
If you’re passionate about supporting small businesses, Facebook’s local business pages are a must. These pages provide businesses with a dedicated area to share their information, promotions, and updates. I often follow local farmers’ markets and co-working spaces to stay informed about seasonal products or exclusive deals they may offer.
You can leave reviews, learn about upcoming events, and find their operating hours as well as any special promotions. This feature not only supports local businesses but also keeps you in the loop about your community.
4 The Save Feature
Have you ever scrolled past something interesting only to lose track of it later? Facebook’s Save feature is here to help. Think of it as a bookmarking tool within the platform.
You can save posts, marketplace listings, or even videos to check out later. I find it particularly handy for saving articles—those lengthy posts that I can’t read right away but want to revisit. You can even categorize saved items into collections, making them easy to locate later on.
5 Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace feels like having a garage sale at your fingertips. You can buy, sell, or trade a variety of items locally, all within the app without needing to download a separate one. I’ve stumbled upon fantastic deals on Marketplace, especially when looking for used devices, and it’s incredibly convenient to browse offers from people nearby.
A major perk is the ease of communication between buyers and sellers through Messenger. Facebook even provides a trust rating system where you can check profiles, adding an extra layer of reassurance when meeting someone for a transaction. If you have any concerns about safety while buying on Marketplace, there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate that safely.
6 Safety Check
One of Facebook’s lesser-known but impactful features is Safety Check. This tool activates during emergencies or natural disasters, allowing people in affected regions to check in to confirm their safety with just a few clicks. When a crisis occurs, Facebook prompts users nearby to mark themselves as safe, which subsequently notifies their friends and family.
I’ve utilized it on a couple of occasions, finding it reassuring to know my loved ones could quickly see that I was out of harm’s way. During crises, this feature offers immense relief—no need for multiple texts or phone calls.
While it might seem that Facebook is merely a platform for scrolling through updates and posts, many valuable features are available that can enhance your experience. Instead of juggling various apps for activities like fundraising, supporting local businesses, or checking on loved ones in times of crisis, Facebook brings everything together in one convenient place.
