Facebook adds 'Quiet Mode' that helps users regularly take breaks

Facebook adds ‘Quiet Mode’ to help users take a break from the app while they’re stuck at home during coronavirus lockdown

  • Quiet Mode looks to help users take a break from Facebook
  • It will focus on helping people who are stuck at home in lockdown
  • Users can set a timer for how long they want to take a break
  • When the app is opened in Quiet Mode users get a notification deterring them
  • Facebook also introduced new ways to monitor usage over a two-week period 

A new Facebook features wants to help users take a break from constant notifications and updates.

‘Quiet Mode’ which is currently being rolled out across the world, lets users schedule what times they want Facebook to be accessible and also lets them silence notifications for when they just need a break.

When the mode is activated, it will also discourage users from opening it. Users who attempt to use the Facebook app while Quiet Mode is on will get a reminder and a timer for how long the feature is enabled.

‘Quiet Mode’ (pictured) is a new tool from Facebook that is meant to help users take a break from the social platform and is specifically a response to COVID-19 isolation orders

Users can, of course, opt to disable the mode and will be allowed to use Facebook for 15 minutes, but by placing extra barriers between users and the app, it could help discourage its use.

‘As we all adjust to new routines and staying home, setting boundaries for how you spend your time online can be helpful,’ wrote Facebook in a blog post.

‘Whether it’s to help you focus on your family and friends, sleep without distraction or manage how you spend your time at home, we have tools that can help you find the right balance for how you use Facebook.’

The tool will be similar to those already available in mobile operating systems like Apple’s iOS, which are called ‘Screen Time’ controls.

What makes Facebook’s roll out notable from Apple’s current controls is that the company seems to be positioning the tools as a way to improve mental health during widespread isolation measures caused by COVID-19.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people around the world to adjust to new routines, cope with loneliness, job loss, grief and more. And it’s tough for all of us in different ways, not just physically but mentally,’ writes the company in a blog post.

‘To help, we’re sharing tips from experts to stay well, supporting the work of mental health organizations, and giving you tools to manage your time on Facebook.’

Time management tools will be couples with usage statistics that show when users open the app and how long they’re active for

In addition to the in-app controls, Facebook is also expanding usage statistics for users that will show things like what time of day you use the Facebook app, for how long, and more over a two-week period.

The company says it’s in the process of rolling out Quiet Mode to users on iOS and has plans of expanding it to Android users by June.

It expects the feature to be widely available for all iOS users by May while Android users are set to get the feature in June.

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