Facebook today announced it has added searches to the Activity Log. As with most Facebook updates, the option isn’t available to everyone immediately: it will be rolling out over the next few weeks.
The new Activity Log feature means that not only can you see all the searches you’re making on Facebook, but you can also delete them. To access the tool, go to the top of your Timeline profile, and click on the Activity Log button on the right-hand side. Next, click on Search from the activity sorter drop-down menu. Again, it might not be there yet, but it will be added soon enough.
Here’s what a single “search activity” looks like in the Activity Log:
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The new feature could hint at the fact Facebook is getting more and more interested in search. Two months ago, the company added sponsored results to its search feature. Earlier this month, Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg talked about the possibility of the company doubling down on search.
This rekindled the long-rumored notion that Facebook could hit Google where it really hurts: right at home. Many have speculated that the social networking giant could take on the search giant by leveraging its social graph.
As part of today’s announcement, Facebook took the opportunity to remind users of two things:
It’s important to remember that no one else can see your Activity Log, including your search activity.
We’re continuously working to bring your settings inline, next to the information they control.
Does this spell trouble for Google? It’s way too early to tell. That being said, even if Facebook never enters the search space, this is certainly a welcome addition.
See also: Facebook launches Shared Activity plugin to help users control what they are sharing through apps
Image credit: stock.xchng.
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