Facebook is testing a new feature in which users can “downvote” certain comments made on posts, thus triaging the ones communally deemed most worthy of more public attention.
The experiment, one of many for the social media company turned tech conglomerate, was spotted and publicized by multiple Twitter users, including tech writer Taylor Lorenz.
Facebook is testing downvoting comments pic.twitter.com/SBOSQITotO
— Taylor Lorenz (@TaylorLorenz) February 8, 2018
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) February 8, 2018
The test is not the same as the piloted “dislike” button that suddenly appeared on Facebook’s proprietary Messenger app years ago.
“We are exploring a feature for people to give us feedback about comments on public page posts,” a Facebook spokesman told The Daily Caller News Foundation, while reiterating that it is not a “dislike button.”
“This is running for a small set of people in the U.S. only,” he continued. The test is also short-term, and more of a way to see how Facebook could improve, perhaps by indirectly weeding out unconstructive commentary, and, in their eyes, potentially fostering more fruitful digital dialogue in the process.
The test is currently running on five percent of Android users in the U.S., and only applies to public page posts, rather than content from friends or public figures.
ALSO WATCH:
The “downvoting” or downranking seems highly similar to the community process Reddit employs. And as many know, Facebook doesn’t mind copying the traits and features of competitors that it sees as successful.
Nevertheless, it seems that Facebook and its leader Mark Zuckerberg’s mission to coalesce and cultivate positive communities and human relationships includes a less vitriolic social media platform.
Send tips to eric@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Freedom of Speech Isn’t Free
The Daily Caller News Foundation is working hard to balance out the biased American media. For as little as $3, you can help us. Make a one-time donation to support the quality, independent journalism of TheDCNF. We’re not dependent on commercial or political support and we do not accept any government funding.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.