Facebook is adding the option for group managers to identify select group members as “experts” to its platform. To distinguish themselves from regular users, these experts will wear a special “Group Expert” badge, similar to what admins and moderators wear on Facebook groups. In addition to allowing admins to choose subject matter experts from their groups, Facebook is also allowing them to search for experts who are not currently members but have knowledge that aligns with the group’s interests.
As a result of the update, Facebook says that admins of “select” groups will now be able to pick specific members as experts who will once accept the new role, get the Group Expert badge next to their names in the group. This makes it easier for group members to find useful articles and comments from specific individuals.
It’s essential to remember that being a group expert doesn’t bring any new features to the table or give you any more influence over the group over other members. Group experts, on the other hand, will be given “ways to seek and exchange expertise beyond standard posts and comments,” according to Facebook. These will feature the ability to hold text-based real-time question-and-answer sessions, establish live audio rooms, and ask group members questions.
Group admins will also have the option of searching for expertise outside of their existing groups. Facebook claims to have begun testing the new feature by allowing selected people in the fitness and gaming industries to select topics about which they are familiar, such as yoga or a specific game. By searching for these specific topics on Facebook, group managers will be able to find these people and ask them to join as group experts.
Automatic invitations are also coming to Facebook, allowing users with the knowledge to encourage their “recently engaged Page followers” to join the groups where they’ve been added as group experts.
Facebook’s new move aims to make groups a better location for individuals with similar interests. More than 70 million admins and moderators manage active groups on the social networking platform. Many of these organizations have evolved into forums for sharing information and skills, with subject matter experts assisting to a considerable extent. Experts would also allow group admins more time to deal with severe issues like misinformation and hate inside their groups.