by A newly introduced Facebook downvote option is appearing to a limited group of users who aren’t quite sure of what to make of it…
Facebook says it’s not a dislike button. But, that doesn’t seem to clear things up for the few users who are seeing the feature for the first time. At least, that’s the initial reaction to a new reporting system.
Facebook Downvote Button Test Spotted
The social network is currently running a limited test with just 5 percent of Android users who have set English as their primary language. While TechCrunch reports it’s a “downvote” button — like the familiar Reddit option — it’s actually a reporting tool for inappropriate content. Once a participant sees and taps on the button, the comment is automatically hidden and three options appear: “Offensive,” “Misleading,” and “Off Topic.” Here’s a tweet with a screenshot:
Here’s what I see on my end if I click downvote, but since I don’t know anyone else with the feature I don’t know what it might look on their end. #FacebookDownvote pic.twitter.com/YIxI5xgXeU
— Christina Hudler (@hudlersocial) February 8, 2018
It’s beginning to appear to more users since it’s initial roll out. But, it’s not widely available. This seems like another attempt for Facebook to help clean up its tarnished reputation, following a plethora of scandals. As with any test, it remains to be seen if it’s permanently adopted or abandoned.
