Facebook is testing a new feature which could result in one of the biggest changes to the social network in its history.
According to images posted on Twitter, Facebook is testing a “downvote” button, which appears in the comments section next to the Like and Reply buttons.
Facebook is testing downvoting comments pic.twitter.com/SBOSQITotO
— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) 8 February 2018
Since the images surface, scores of users have taken to the micro-blogging platform to confirm they also see the option to downvote appearing in their feeds.
The new feature looks a lot like the similar option on Reddit.
A quick video of what the #FacebookDownvote button looks like for me. Coming up next, a video of putting it into action thanks to a willing volunteer. #smm #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing pic.twitter.com/LlJG8fVwdA
— Christina Hudler (@hudlersocial) 8 February 2018
In fact, it looks so similar that it even caught the attention of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian Sr. who tweeted: “Sincerest form of flattery! Wish I’d trademarked it and ‘upvote’ when I came up with it.”
A dislike button or downvote has long been a rumoured new feature for Facebook. Until now, the social network has stuck with the more positive thumbs up like.
Sincerest form of flattery! Wish I'd trademarked it and “upvote” when came up with it. ?? https://t.co/wJMxILChCV
— Alexis Ohanian Sr. (@alexisohanian) 8 February 2018
But it now appears Facebook is seriously considering introducing a new way for users to provide feedback on comments.
A spokesperson for Facebook confirmed to The Verge that the new feature is being tested but that it is not a dislike button.
“We are not testing a dislike button,” Facebook said.
“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 US only.”
