Dislike button gives more emotions to posts

Marcelina Vergara

An emoji form of expression has been slowly making its way to Facebook due to user demand.

Facebook has officially released a pilot test for “Reactions” on Oct. 8 to their social media website. They are known to be different forms of emojis ranging from positive to negative emotions. It can be activated by holding down the “like” button in which several emojis will appear varying from “Love” and “Wow” to “Sad” and “Angry.”

The website decided to create an “empathy” button, as well.

“It’s not a ‘dislike’ button, though we hope it addresses the spirit of this request more broadly. (We) worked to design an experience around them that was elegant and fun,” Facebook Chief Product Officer Chris Cox said in the article “Sneak a peek at Facebook’s not just ‘like’ button” published on CBS News.

However, many users are concerned that the emojis would increase the risk of cyber bullying adding the “Reactions” to the website’s features would not only increase cyber bullying but also promote internet trolls to invade a personal account.

“Adding a new feature won’t increase the chance of people expressing their thoughts. Either way, they are still going to say what they want to say,” senior Kris Cobangbang said.

As Facebook’s solution, the feature is first set to be released in limited foreign countries such as Ireland and Spain because of their records of having the highest percentage of friendly users. The company has yet to reveal the worldwide release of its newest feature.

“We never know what will work and what won’t until it’s in the hands of people. We’re excited to hear what people have to say and to work to improve the experience,” Facebook Director of Product Adam Mosseri posted in his official Facebook page.