Facebook Rolling Out ‘Reaction’ Emojis As ‘Dislike’ Button Alternative

Facebook, true to its word, is unveiling an alternative to the much-desired “dislike” button – “reaction” emojis.

Facebook ‘Reaction’ Emojis

In an effort to give Facebook users the ability to have more nuanced responses to posts on the social media platform, it is testing out the concept of “reaction” emojis, reported Engadget. On Friday, those who log on to Facebook in Ireland and Spain will be able to try the new feature, which includes animated emojis for “Like,” “Love,” “Haha,” “Yay,” “Wow,” “Sad,” and “Angry.”

Facebook ‘Dislike’ Button?

Last month, following years of users asking for a ‘dislike’ button, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg revealed that they would soon be getting something that just might be a better option. Zuckerberg revealed that the company had been working on a function that would give users a way to convey empathy when met with an unfortunate or tragic post, and other emotions for other sorts of posts.

“We didn’t want to just build a Dislike button because we don’t want to turn Facebook into a forum where people are voting up or down on people’s posts. That doesn’t seem like the kind of community we want to create,” said Zuckerberg. “People aren’t looking for an ability to downvote other people’s posts. What they really want is to be able to express empathy.”

“Not every moment is a good moment, right? And if you are sharing something that is sad, whether it’s something in current events like the refugee crisis that touches you or if a family member passed away, then it might not feel comfortable to Like that post,” Zuckerberg added. “But your friends and people want to be able to express that they understand and that they relate to you.”

As of yet, it is unknown when Facebook plans to roll out the “reactions” feature to its larger user base.