Facebook Reactions Are Zuckerberg's Answer To The Dislike Button

This Is Facebook's Answer To The 'Dislike' Button

Facebook has unveiled Reactions, a series of emoticons that the company plans to use as an extension of the 'like' button.

Rather than create the controversial 'dislike' button, Facebook has opted for a range of facial expressions that the Mark Zuckerberg says will allow people to "better express how you’re feeling."

Today we're launching a test of Reactions -- a more expressive Like button. The Like button has been a part of Facebook for a long time. Billions of Likes are made every day, and Liking things is a simple way to express yourself.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. These are important moments where you need the power to share more than ever, and a Like might not be the best way to express yourself.At a recent Townhall Q&A, I shared with our community that we've spent a lot of time thinking about the best way to give you better options for expressing yourself, while keeping the experience simple and respectful. Today we're starting to test this.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. We’re starting to test Reactions in Ireland and Spain and will learn from this before we bring the experience to everyone. We hope you like this – or can better express how you’re feeling!

Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday, 8 October 2015

"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. These are important moments where you need the power to share more than ever, and a Like might not be the best way to express yourself." said Zuckerberg.

The new Reactions are activated by long pressing on the like button, you'll then have the option to pick one of a number of facial expressions.

Facebook has been working on a solution to the like button dilemma ever since it introduced it and Zuckerberg has repeatedly said that the company would eventually find a solution.

For the moment Reactions are only being rolled out in Spain and Ireland.

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