593 days ago
What About Facebook Gestures?

Facebook is introducing Gestures, a new way of using ‘Likes’ that will give developers the opportunity to offer users an assortment of different options. Users will be able to ‘cheer’, ‘watch’, ‘read’ or interact with content in many new ways. However, users will still not have the use of a “dislike” button.

For a long time people have been requesting the use of a “dislike” button, however, it is completely understandable that Facebook would not wish to implement this. Well known companies and brands actively seek to get as many ‘likes’ as possible but would not be so happy if ‘dislikes’ were also recorded by the metrics.

But while ‘dislike’ is blocked along with various offensive words, resourceful developers can use their imaginations to come up with other  ways to express the same sentiment.

Facebook Gestures is a major modernization of the Facebook social graph. Facebook think that users want to be more specific about how they use and feel about companies, brands, and their Pages. “Liking” is viewed as approval or recommendation, however, the new buttons will offer a wide range of options for expressing yourself and views.

However, it seems the hoped for “dislike” button will remain a thing of dreams. But at least you’ll be able to gesture at your friends.