I have never been so excited to review an app in my life. “Why are you so excited, Phil?” you ask.
Because I can finally deleted this stupid app.
Strong words, I know, but certainly deserved. I’m not sure what Zuckerberg’s strategy is exactly, but he’s continually taking up more of my phone’s real estate with frustratingly mediocre apps.
The Groups app was designed to help you keep better track of the groups you belong to or administrate. My reasons for hating this app are fourfold, but I’ll get into that in a second. First, let me remind you why groups are important and superior to a Facebook Page.
Groups are awesome because everyone in the group is notified about every post. A page’s fans only get notified of a few of the things. Secondly, the group is designed to foster community whereas the page is just the public front.
And now, on to the app-bashing…
Pros & Cons (Mostly Cons)
1. Standalone Why must every function of Facebook get its own app? Groups, Messenger, Pages—where will it end? Facebook was great because it had so much to offer in one place. What is gained by dividing it up? I just don’t get it.
2. Redundant Everything that this app does is already in the regular Facebook app. Unless they’re planning on removing those functions from the Facebook app, the Groups app has nothing to offer. Of course, it’s not just the functions that are redundant. It’s the notifications. If someone posts in your group, the Facebook app and the Groups app are both triggered. (The same is true for Messenger as well.)
3. Weak Not only are the app’s functions redundant, they are are weaker/harder to use than the original’s. Furthermore, the group image doesn’t fit in the app designed for groups, and there is no way to “pin” a post to the top of the group’s feed.
4. Annoying Ever a join a group because you didn’t want to be rude? I’m in 12 groups, but I really only need/want to engage in about half that. Before, I could just ignore these groups. I never really noticed them. Now, however, thanks to the Groups app, whenever I open it up I see a whole host of groups with tons of notifications just waiting to be clear. (Thankfully, you can turn off push notifications per group, or I’d have never lasted long enough to write this post.
Conclusion
Don’t bother with this app. Sorry. It’s a bit negative and terse, but that’s just how I see it. If you’ve already got the original Facebook app, then you don’t need this clunky, junky standalone.
Bob Miller says
That app is a complete waste of time! The notifications aren’t even consistent. And when they do work, you’re right – both this app and the FB app have the notifications. What’s worse is that half the time I go into the app from the notifications the app doesn’t even work right and show what’s going on. I have to go into the FB app and then it works ok.
I think the Messenger app is a different story. The main FB app senses its existence and stays out of messaging. What’s even better is that I can go in and message without being bothered with the rest of FB. It’s faster and more fluid. I haven’t seen dual notifications on iOS in a couple of years. Seems pretty good to me, and since it’s the primary way I message with people at church or right outside my family, it’s been a real asset.
Phil Schneider says
I get that if you’re a heavy message user then having a stand-alone app makes sense. For me, it’s a constant annoyance.
Thanks for the comment.
Chris Wilson says
About a year and a half ago I deleted the Facebook app from my phone and started using the mobile website. I don’t get useless notifications on my phone and it discourages me from going on the network when I shouldn’t (it’s just a bit harder to open up a webpage, but that’s enough). I can understand why you’d want to uninstal a facebook app. .
Phil Schneider says
Chris, you are living my dream, man. I can’t stand FB, but it’s a necessary annoyance for work. (I did use a saved web link for months after FB messed their app up but went back after they got their act together.)
Eric Dye says
Ouch. 😀
Phil Schneider says
Is there an emoji code for a bandage?
Eric Dye says
😀