If you’re seeing weird strings of characters instead of actual dates and times on Facebook posts, you’re not imagining things. Over the past few hours, users across the web have reported this bug affecting Facebook’s desktop version. Instead of clear timestamps, posts now show what looks like a bug in Facebook’s front-end display logic. The string you see could represent a placeholder or backend reference that failed to convert into a readable date and time due to a glitch.
This issue seems to be widespread, with complaints pouring in on Reddit, X, and other forums. Many users thought the problem might be on their end, with some going as far as changing passwords or scanning their devices for viruses. However, the bug appears to be on Facebook’s side. Here’s a screenshot shared by a user for reference:
One Reddit user shared, “I literally came here for the same thing. It’s only happening on my computer, not the app.” Another added, “I thought my account was hacked, but it looks like a Facebook glitch.”
Based on the reports, the issue mostly affects the desktop version of Facebook. Some users mentioned the problem showing up on Google Chrome and Firefox, while others reported no trouble on Microsoft Edge. Interestingly, mobile apps seem to be unaffected for most people.
On X, a user tagged Facebook, saying, “What’s going on with your timestamps? It’s showing random code instead of dates.” On Reddit, a user joked, “Someone forgot a semicolon in their passive update.”
For now, the bug doesn’t seem to impact functionality beyond the timestamps. Hovering over the odd strings still shows the correct date and time for many users. I wasn’t able to replicate the bug on my end using Google Chrome on a Mac.
Facebook hasn’t officially acknowledged the problem yet, but given the chatter, they’re likely aware. These kinds of issues usually get patched quickly, so users might see things return to normal soon.
Featured image credit: furciferX / Reddit
Dwayne Cubbins
433 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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