Facebook has come a long way since its creation in 2004. Many of us remember when the News Feed was introduced, or the Facebook Messenger app transition. The most recent feature to receive a makeover was Facebook’s Like button. Now, instead of simple thumbs up, users can choose a Reaction represented by graphics that were inspired by emojis. After carefully narrowing down the possibilities, Facebook settled on six reactions. Now, Facebook users can express like, love, joy, surprise, sadness, or anger for photos and status updates.
Employees at Pleth seem to unanimously agree that the Like button update is a positive addition to the social media site. Nonverbal communication is becoming more and more prevalent, and anything that can add clarity or help fill the void of verbal cues not present in text-based communication is welcome and appreciated by most.
Pleth employees had this to say about the update...
Wade Jewell
I like it. This change has gone off, as far as I can tell, without a hitch, compared to some of Facebook’s other design decisions. And the feature’s incorporation is seamless; so seamless that unless you knew about it, you may not notice. I got no notification that the feature was available. I saw a news story about it in my sidebar. I do enjoy the various reactions much more than the default “Like”. Now people can react to my posts in a more honest, open, and exact manner.
Kim Deck
It’s been a few years since emjois rocked our texting world, altering the way we communicate with one another yet again. Facebook finally joined the emoji game a few months ago, and I have to say, I’m a fan. Now, we can show our sympathy express our anger, gasp in surprise, love, or even laugh at a new photo or status update… all emotions we no doubt encounter while scrolling through our Newsfeed. I do have one concern, though. Facebook, where’s the DISlike button?
Erica Sluder
We’ve been asking for this for a long time and Facebook finally delivered. I really love all of the options. They seem to work well in all circumstances I’ve come across so far. My favorite emotions are the “love” and “sad” options. Love works really well when you want to like something a million times because you are so excited! Sad works for when you want someone to know you are thinking of them or you support them. It took me awhile to actually start using them but now I always check my options before just clicking “like.” Great job, Facebook!
Kell McNaughton
I think it’s not a bad idea at all to give people more options when it makes sense. This is one of those times. There won’t be as much awkwardness if you’re trying to show support to someone going through a rough time. Though, the extra options could end up leading to minor annoyance from the crowd that panhandles for likes as if they gain sustenance from them, I feel that it’s a small price to pay.