Facebook is set to test out a new ‘Reactions’ button that provides a greater range of emotion-based responses than the current Like system.
The social network giant has been pondering the limitations of its Like button for some time now, and there have been repeated rumours that a so-called ‘Dislike’ button is in the works. Now Facebook’s solution appears to be almost ready to roll, and it’ll offer much more than a binary Like/Dislike choice.
Engadget has learned that a new response system, known as ‘Reactions,’ is set to enter the testing phase in Ireland and Spain tomorrow, October 9.
The issue with the Like button is that it simply doesn’t seem appropriate or accurate in many situations. For example, none of us actually ‘like’ the news of a tragic event, but we click the Like button to show our appreciation or support anyway.
Under the new Reactions system, six additional icons join the Like button to convey love, laughter, smiles, shock, sadness, and anger. There’s clearly scope for more to be added, too.
Related: Forget Dislike button, these are the Facebook buttons we want to see
Apparently, the new Reactions system will apply to user posts and pages alike, and there’ll be a breakdown of which responses each post receives.
There’s no news on when this new system will rollout to the wider Facebook service, but it’s typical of Facebook to test a new feature with a small sample audience before sending it live.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
