Facebook Has Just Introduced Emoji 'Reactions' Instead Of A 'Dislike' Button

Facebook has given the thumbs down to a ‘thumbs down’ button, debuting a new suite of “Reactions” instead, giving users the ability to express feelings other than ‘Like’.

Last month, Mark Zuckerberg indicated at a Q&A that Facebook was working on a ‘dislike’ button, which would theoretically allow users “to express empathy” (and how nice of Facebook to help us access this otherwise prohibited emotion).

“Not every moment is a good moment,” he added, possibly recalling the same awkward scenarios we've all experienced, such as having no choice but to hit ‘like’ as an expression of support on a post sharing news of a dead pet, or a bad haircut.

The company soon after walked back its CEO’s comments, saying that a “dislike” feature wasn’t on the horizon, but something else was.

Chief Product Officer Chris Cox today unveiled that something else.

In a Facebook post – fitting – Cox explained how “Reactions” will work.

“We studied which comments and reactions are most commonly and universally expressed across Facebook, then worked to design an experience around them that was elegant and fun.”

In addition to Like, you’ll soon be able to add Love, Haha, Yay, Wow, Sad and Angry to your friends' baby photos and/or political rants. Sadly, there is no Hate ‘Reaction’ for anyone’s attempts at re-enacting those “Follow Me” photos.

The ‘Reactions’ are being tested in Ireland and Spain as of today, with an international rollout to come later.

Sad yay.