Facebook finally tests dislike button – but not the one users really want

But, according to a statement from the company, within Facebook Messenger the dislike button is being seen as a simple “no” response.

Facebook didn’t immediately respond to request for comment from Mashable.

In IT Blogwatch, we add a reaction.

The social network is now testing a new feature on Facebook Messenger that lets users dislike messages from friends and family, according to TechCrunch. Instead of rolling it out on the main site, the social network is instead testing it on the Messenger app.

So while Facebook has no plans to introduce this feature officially, it’s good to see that they’re testing new ways to interact with messenger. The new feature is similar to the expanded reactions that are available on the newsfeed.

Interestingly, though, this current trial included a reaction that Facebook has previously fought against, that of a thumbs down. You tap on the Like button to access Reactions, and if you later change your mind you can tap on it again to recall your support. Theses reactions include the six reactions that we’ve seen for posts- Love, Laughter, Wow, Sad, Angry and the classic Thumbs-up. Only if the testing team approves, the dislike will be added to the app and be available for all users around the globe.

So why the change now?

Facebook wasn’t the first to come up with the Like button, but it certainly popularized it.

The new Dislike reaction is a big deal because Facebook has been against adding it to the News Feed.

Facebook has already rolled out Reactions to the web, so you shouldn’t need to do anything special before you can use it. But is it useful?

Caveat: It’s only on Facebook Messenger. Apps like Slack fill a gap that maybe Facebook isn’t meant to occupy, one that supports work conversations, as opposed to casual chats. However, one thing is clear, and that is the team behind it thinks this is an excellent idea. It was expected that it could lead to too much criticism and people may end up using the button more than the like button.