Although the sensation probably felt strange to them, the Debbie Downers and Naysaying Navins (we all know one) of the world must have felt a rush of excitement when they heard that Facebook was finally working on a “dislike” button. For how else could they share their displeasure or indifference to their purported friends’ life updates, now that sarcastic comments can be deleted from posts? And surely, there’s no better way to call out an acquaintance’s cultural tourism, i.e., “volunteering in South Africa,” or narcissism than by clicking on a thumbs-down.
We can imagine the inner turmoil those Negative Nellies are probably experiencing now that Facebook has announced it is actually testing a range of responses in place of giving people the satisfaction of down-voting each other’s lunches—to feel or not to feel vindicated that they didn’t get something they wanted? According to Engadget, the social media company is launching Reactions, a feature that will allow users to “express multiple emotions” with clicks of a mouse instead of the typing of letters.
With Reactions, Facebook is looking to allow for a broader spectrum of responses beyond giving someone a thumbs-up for an engagement announcement, or choosing to keep mum over the death of a pet (that is, unless you have the time to send a heartfelt message). You can still react to a post or photo by “liking” it, but you’ll now be able to select a shocked face emoji to demonstrate surprise, a heart emoji for solidarity (or love, we guess), a couple of different happy faces, as well as sad and angry faces with which to share your regret or disdain.
Digital Spy reports the new options are being tested in Ireland and Spain this week, but we’re sure that no stereotypes about the personalities or drinking habits of the natives of those countries played into that decision.