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Facebook is testing Downvote Button. Yes, just like on Reddit

by Felix Omondi
facebook downvote

In keeping with its tradition, Facebook is trying out a new feature – Downvote button – with a small select group of users. The social network giant always takes this approach whenever they are thinking of rolling out new features. If the features pass the tests, it gets rolled out to every user. Otherwise, it gets completely shut down.

That is what happened with emojis reactions, which passed the tests and is now part and parcel of Facebook since sometime in October 2015. (Did you know, Facebook emojis reactions was not exactly a new idea? Users on BuzzFeed have been using it for a long time). Well, emojis reaction is a feature that came long after users began asking for the Dislike button. You know, the opposite of the Like button, so you can let someone you really distaste the post. You can see why Facebook would be hesitant to roll it out, given all the bullies out there just waiting to ‘hate’ on others. It could perhaps lead to people fleeing Facebook, and that’s not something Zuckerberg and team would want.

Now, the social network is testing out (again a feature not so new) a downvote button. Yes, it works in the same fashion as Reddit’s downvote button. While Facebook came out to categorically say it is not a Dislike button, but rather a feature that will let them know if you like a post or not.facebook downvote

We are not testing a dislike button. We are exploring a feature for people to give us feedback about comments on public page posts. This is running for a small set of people in the U.S. only,” reads the statement from Facebook to TechCrunch.

The Downvote button is currently only available to a small group of users (on Android) in the U.S. only. As Facebook explains it to TechCrunch, the Downvote button is a tool for users to tell the social network if a post is misleading, uncivil, or inappropriate.facebook downvote

Tapping the Downvote button gives the users three options: Offensive, Misleading, and Off Topic. The three additional options are used to clarify why the user does not like the post and gives Facebook “meaningful interactions” with the users.

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