Following confirmation earlier this year that Facebook is officially developing a ‘dislike’ button, the popular social network has changed course and instead unveiled five new ‘reactions’.
Users will now be able to share emotive responses to posted content, rather than simply indicate their approval or sympathy. While the standard ‘Like’ button will remain, users will now be able to indicate their love, happiness, shock, sadness, anger, and laughter on or for a particular post.
Facebook’s Chief Product Officer Chris Cox shared a video of Reactions in practice earlier today – citing the social network’s decision to move away from releasing a ‘dislike’ button: “We studied which comments and reactions are most commonly and universally expressed across Facebook, then worked to design an experience around them that was elegant and fun.”
Cox continued to state that “As you can see, it’s not a ‘dislike’ button, though we hope it addresses the spirit of this request more broadly.”
Sources have indicated that Facebook’s new Reactions will go live for a trial period from tomorrow (October 9th) in Ireland and Spain, and following a positive reception, the feature will be rolled out globally.
The expectation remains that Facebook will unveil additional reactions over time, following the positive reception of the first five.
What are your thoughts on Facebook’s new set of Reactions? Would you prefer a ‘Dislike’ button, a single ‘Like button’, or even more ways to express your feelings on a particular Facebook post?
Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
