The act of sharing content that was originally published by another user or page on Facebook involves re-sharing that content to one’s own timeline or within a group. This facilitates the dissemination of information or media to a new audience beyond the original poster’s immediate network. An example is when a user shares a news article from a news outlet’s page onto their personal timeline for their friends to see.
Distributing content in this way serves several functions. It expands the reach of the original post, potentially increasing its visibility and impact. It also allows users to curate and share information relevant to their own interests or the interests of their network. The historical context reflects a shift from simply viewing content to actively participating in its spread and amplification, shaping online discourse and community engagement.