The news that Facebook is to incorporate a “dislike” button to its platform has been met with Likes and scepticism in equal measure.
One of the social media’s most unique feature (apart from it being the first real social media channel for everyone) was its ability to “like” everything which was posted. Those of us – more than one billion and counting – who have an active Facebook account will have “liked” a status, picture, life event, video and even random cat pictures during our time on the platform but there’s many a time when you want to “dislike” something. Admit it, you do.
A “dislike” button has been constantly requested by some users since the introduction of the now-iconic “like” button in 2009.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg said the button will be a way of expressing empathy. In theory this could be true as it brings up the conundrum of what to do when you come across a sad status when ignoring it isn’t an option (especially when it’s a proper friend). But adding a “dislike” button could also work against the person posting the status. It’s a gamble which Facebook will have to take following this announcement.
The constant tinkering with the platform leads to what other buttons could be added. We already have the option to poke, wish people happy birthday and congratulate friends on a life event. Increasingly, Facebook is being used to air someone’s dirty laundry so maybe a “Man Up” button or “Don’t Care” button could be added or simply do away with them altogether, but then it wouldn’t be any fun.
Expressing empathy or dishing out sarcasm, Facebook’s “dislike” button give users another way of interacting with friends and it’s another gamble Zuckerberg is willing to take in order to continue growing his empire.
Nick Hyde is PR & Marketing Manager at Happy Creative, a full service marketing and creative agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go to www.happy-creative.co.uk
