Thanks to social media, the world is at our fingertips. There’s almost nothing we can’t find or learn online. The vast expanse of information available on the internet has made it increasingly challenging for people to navigate and pinpoint the knowledge they seek. Coupled with the rapid pace of modern life, users are turning to tools and programs that help them stay organized and extract value without feeling overwhelmed.
Observing these trends, Facebook—a social media giant renowned for adapting to its users’ changing habits and needs—has started testing a new application designed to simplify daily life: “Today.”
In early 2018, Facebook’s research revealed that over 50% of users wanted more local news and community-focused content on the platform, with many spending significant time engaging with such information. Based on this insight, Facebook developed a tool to deliver location-based updates, offering essential information such as bus schedules, road closures, weather updates, special activities, events, announcements, nearby group suggestions, and more. Imagine having a single platform for all this information tailored to cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and beyond.
The “Today” app aims to help users stay informed about what’s happening in their area, stay updated on events that could impact their day, and discover ways to engage with their local communities through activities or volunteer opportunities. Currently, the app is being tested in over 400 cities across the U.S. and parts of Australia.
Integrated as a dedicated section within the Facebook app, “Today” consolidates all the information you might need in one place. Local governments can also participate, using the platform to issue alerts and announcements to residents in times of need.
If you live in one of the cities where “Today” is currently available, you can access it by tapping the Menu (☰) section within the Facebook app and selecting “Today.” You can also enable notifications to receive regular updates.
While the app is not yet available in Turkey or globally, user feedback from test regions indicates that “Today” could be a game-changer for starting the day informed and organized.