Facebook is testing out its new "reaction" buttons, the social media giant's answer to demands from users for a "dislike" button to go along with the ability to give a post a thumbs-up.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Thursday the new buttons offer FB users a "more expressive Like button."
"For many years though, people have asked us to add a 'dislike' button. Not every moment is a good moment, and sometimes you just want a way to express empathy," he said in a statement. "Reactions gives you new ways to express love, awe, humor, and sadness. It's not a dislike button, but it does give you the power to easily express sorrow and empathy — in addition to delight and warmth. You’ll be able to express these reactions by long pressing or hovering over the Like button."
The new emoji allow users to choose between Like, Love, Haha, Yay, Wow, Sad, and Angry.
Zuckerberg's announcement that the change wouldn't be to simply add a "dislike" button was received with relief by some online.
"Thank goodness Facebook did not listen to those who want a
dislike button," FB user Maureen Sherman posted. "It would have been just another place where people could vent their frustrations, bully others, shame through social shunning and on and on . . . So yes thank you facebook for consciously acting in the defense of those of us who have been disliked. Communication will be enhanced by us resonating with a person not annihilating them."
The New York Times said the new emoji will first be tested in Spain and Ireland. Adam Mosseri, who directs Facebook’s newsfeed, told the newspaper once response to the six new buttons had been evaluated, they will be refined, and then rolled out to the rest of the world.
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