A few months ago Facebook launched a revamped version of the Group feature, which previously functioned similarly to Fan pages. Now, Facebook users can create Facebook Groups, which still look like Fan pages, but have more private options, and allow users in groups to communicate with each other more effectively. Information can be shared with other Facebook users by posting updates and links to the group, notifying all group members automatically. Facebook group members can also use the new Groups to send messages to only group members with just a few clicks, rather than via the painstaking process of sending a message to several friends by selecting each and every friend individually. Facebook Groups are also designed for group chats using the Facebook chat feature.
To create a group in Facebook:
1. Log in to Facebook.
2. Visit the “Home” page by clicking on the Home tab at the top right of any Facebook page.
3. In the left sidebar, below your photo and the module that includes “News Feed”, “Messages”, ” Events” and” Friends”, select “Create Group”.
4. In the popup that appears, choose a Group Name. There is also an icon to select to the type of group represenitng group’s interest – use your best judgement here.
5. Choose your friends who should be invited to the group. As you type each name, Facebook will auto-select your friends for you.
5. Finally, choose whether the group is Open, Closed, or Secret. An open group means it is searchable, and anyone canjoin. A closed group means others can view the name of the group, but only members of the group can view content. A secret group is not searchable, and non-members will not see the name of the group listed on profiles, or the content.
A few things that are important to know is that once someone has left a group, they can not be invited back in, though someone who has been removed by an admin can be invited back to the group. Additionally, only admins of a group can block someone from a group.