Typing '@highlight' in a Facebook comment does not reveal the strength of the profile - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
February 2, 2024
A viral claim suggests that by typing “@highlight” in a comment and if that text is displayed in blue, one can determine the strength of their Facebook profile. This article aims to fact-check the validity of this claim.
Claim: Typing “@highlight” within a comment and if that text is displayed in blue, one can determine the strength of their Facebook profile
Fact: Facebook has not implemented any feature to assess the strength of a profile. Previously, a similar claim circulated widely, suggesting that typing ‘@highlight’ in a comment would reveal who regularly views one’s profile. However, Facebook clarified that it does not allow users to track profile viewers. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
To begin with, Facebook has not implemented any method to assess the strength of profiles in this manner. If such a feature existed, Facebook would likely have documented it in the information center. However, no such details are available. Additionally, typing “@highlight” within a comment did not provide us any insights into profile strength.
Facebook has provided guidelines to enhance user account security, such as avoiding common words, phone numbers, or dates of birth as passwords. Additionally, it recommends enabling two-factor authentication for added security measures. You can access the guidelines Facebook has issued for securing accounts here.
Previously, a similar claim gained traction, suggesting that by typing “@” in comments and then clicking “highlight,” one could see who regularly checks their profile. However, this rumour was debunked as false. Facebook clarified that “Facebook doesn’t let people track who views their profile.” Additionally, third-party apps also do not offer this capability, according to the platform. Multiple fact-checkers like Snopes debunked the viral claim at that time.
Regarding the “@highlight” comment feature, Distractify.com reported that it “allows users to highlight a particular post by increasing its size and visibility on Facebook.”
To sum it up, typing ‘@highlight’ in a Facebook comment does not reveal the strength of the profile.