Ryan Abramson: Is Facebook Still Relevant Today? Why It’s Here to Stay for Travel, Business Reviews, and Social Trends

In a time when newer platforms like TikTok and Instagram capture so much attention, you might wonder if Facebook, a 20-year-old social media giant, still has anything to offer. Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes. With a massive user base of over 2.9 billion active users, Facebook has reinvented itself to remain indispensable for connecting, discovering, and informing everyday decisions. And yes, Ryan Abramson is still on Facebook. If you’re interested in travel, looking for reliable business reviews, or seeking a social media space for meaningful feedback on the latest trends, Facebook still offers unmatched benefits. Here's why this social network remains relevant and essential in today’s digital landscape.

Travel Discovery and Inspiration

Facebook’s value for travelers is immense. The platform has evolved from just a space to share vacation photos with family and friends to a full-fledged discovery tool for all things travel-related. Here’s how:

Facebook Groups and Pages for Travel Enthusiasts

From “Digital Nomads Around the World” to “Europe Backpacking Tips,” Facebook hosts thousands of groups dedicated to sharing travel advice, hidden destinations, travel hacks, and even budgeting tips. These groups create a virtual travel community where people can ask questions, get recommendations, and feel a sense of camaraderie with others who share the same wanderlust. For example, if you’re thinking about a trip to Paris, you can join a group where members might share restaurant recommendations, tips on avoiding tourist traps, or reviews of local Airbnb rentals.

Geotagged Photos and Check-Ins

The geotagging feature on Facebook allows users to check in at places they visit. This isn’t just a fun way to document your travel journey; it’s also useful for others planning similar trips. You might see friends posting about their latest hiking expedition in Colorado or their beach day in Bali. Through their photos, you get a firsthand look at these locations, helping you decide if it’s worth adding to your own itinerary.

Facebook Events and Local Attractions

In addition to individual recommendations, Facebook’s events feature is perfect for discovering local happenings. Whether it's a concert, a food festival, or a unique cultural event, Facebook Events make it easy to find out what’s going on in any destination. Even better, the platform often curates events based on your interests or location, showing you things that might not appear on mainstream travel sites.

Business Reviews with a Personal Touch

With many of us relying on social proof before making purchasing decisions, Facebook remains a highly trusted source of reviews, recommendations, and business information.

Recommendations from Friends

One of Facebook's most unique aspects is that you can get business recommendations from people you trust—your friends. When you see a recommendation for a restaurant, mechanic, or dog groomer from a friend, you can be reasonably sure it’s honest and tailored to your needs. Facebook even makes it easy to ask for recommendations in your feed or specific groups, with friends and community members responding with their suggestions. This is especially helpful for local businesses that might not appear on Yelp or Google Reviews but are well-known in the community.

Pages and Local Business Listings

Facebook has become a one-stop shop for all business details. Businesses have profile pages where they post updates, showcase their products or services, and respond to reviews. You can see customer photos, read reviews, and check out the latest posts to get a feel for the business's personality and reliability. Unlike traditional review sites, Facebook lets businesses interact directly with their customers, often leading to more transparent, personalized responses to both praise and criticism.

Validation from User Reviews and Friends’ Likes

When a business receives multiple "likes" from your friends (yes, people want to be friends with Ryan Abramson on FB!) or accumulates numerous positive reviews, it’s a natural form of validation. This makes Facebook a valuable tool for figuring out whether a business is trustworthy. If you’re hesitant about trying a new coffee shop or hiring a contractor, a quick Facebook search can help you gauge the business’s reputation, as well as see if any friends have had experiences they’ve shared.

Social Trends and Cautionary Tales

Facebook’s social nature also makes it an ideal platform for spotting and exploring trends—while also getting insights on what to avoid.

Real-Time Feedback on Trends

Facebook is a hub for discussing trending topics and products. Whether it’s the latest fitness fad, fashion trend, or even new tech gadgets, users frequently post about their experiences. If you’re considering trying out a new wellness product, for example, you might find posts in groups like “Clean Beauty” or “Holistic Health and Wellness” where members share their honest thoughts. People are often more than willing to talk about the successes—and failures—they’ve experienced, helping others make informed decisions.

Cautionary Advice and Warnings

Another major advantage of Facebook is the speed at which cautionary stories spread. If a new gadget isn’t living up to the hype, or if a product has had quality issues, Facebook users are quick to post about it. In this way, Facebook acts as a community watchdog, where users warn each other about scams, poor-quality products, or services that don’t deliver as promised. This community-minded approach gives people a way to protect each other from making regrettable purchases.

Authentic Reviews and Live Discussions

Unlike other platforms, Facebook allows for live discussions, making it possible to receive feedback and additional context in real-time. If someone posts about a product they love (or hate), others can comment, ask questions, and share their own perspectives. This back-and-forth isn’t as common on review sites, where opinions are typically one-sided and static. On Facebook, you get a nuanced view of the product, service, or trend—often with specific examples or photos.

Facebook Marketplace: A Thriving Hub for Local Buying and Selling

Facebook Marketplace has exploded in popularity, offering an alternative to Craigslist or eBay for buying and selling goods locally. Here, you can find everything from furniture to cars to clothes, often at unbeatable prices. The real advantage, however, is the ability to see the profile of the person you’re buying from or selling to, which adds a layer of trust to the transaction. For anyone interested in thrifting, local buying, or even renting vacation homes, Marketplace is a powerful tool.

The Power of Facebook Stories and Reels

Though Stories and Reels may have initially been Snapchat and Instagram features, Facebook has successfully integrated these formats to stay competitive. Users can now share real-time glimpses into their lives through Stories, offering friends and followers a more authentic, behind-the-scenes look at trips, day-to-day experiences, and activities. This, combined with Facebook’s robust algorithm, ensures that content from friends and interests you follow appears front and center, keeping you connected with the latest trends and your favorite brands and people.

Conclusion: Why Facebook’s Legacy Lives On

While Facebook might not be the newest or trendiest platform on the block, it continues to be a robust tool for connecting, discovering, and learning. For travelers, it’s a source of inspiration and real-world advice. For consumers, it’s a reliable platform for business reviews and recommendations. And for anyone trying to stay informed on the latest trends, Facebook offers a unique, discussion-oriented experience that many platforms simply can’t replicate. Ryan Abramson still exists on X, but Facebook will stay part of my life.

Despite its age, Facebook remains essential because it keeps up with user needs and offers a unique blend of connection, content, and community. So next time you’re curious about a new product, planning a trip, or looking for trustworthy advice, don’t overlook Facebook—it might just be the only resource you need.