The only thing constant when it comes to social media is change. Keeping tabs on the dimensions, formats, new features, and specs across each platform can be a full-time job (hence, why we exist).
The Pros and Cons of a Facebook Dislike Button
Although it's hard to imagine, Facebook existed for five whole years before introducing the iconic "Like" button in February of 2009. Naturally, providing the ability for users to give positive feedback and easily connect with things they care about left us all wondering- what about the alternative? Where is the "Dislike" button? And it seems like it's a question that just won't go away. Flash forward another five years, the "Dislike" button remains one of the top feature requests submitted to Facebook.
Requesters rejoice: today Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, addressed the topic during a Townhall at Facebook's HQ. Click here to hear The Zuck's firsthand take on the matter. And while we fully support his response, the Devil's Advocate in us couldn't help but to debate the issue just a wee bit more.
Pros:
- Every yin needs a yang, especially a platform that stands for authentic human interactions in the digital age
- Being able to just as easily express your DISSATISFACTION with a post
- Not feeling like a jerk when you "like" something that is actually very sad
- For brands, being able to get a better pulse check on the negative sentiment of content- imagine a comprehensive Negative Feedback Rate!
- If brands are receiving an overwhelming amount of "dislikes", wouldn't it force them to create content that is truly appealing?
- A quicker way to let Facebook know something is annoying you; meaning a very specific way to say "I don't want to see this" without risking future updates
- Maybe, just maybe, it would reduce the number of complaints and mean-spirited comments running rampant on the platform
Cons:
- Does the world really need more negativity? More so, can our egos really handle having more dislikes than likes?
- Trolls. Internet trolls that is; people will abuse the button just for kicks creating a less than pleasant environment
- The inevitable hostility towards ads, Facebook's lifeblood and key source of revenue
- Two words: Passive. Aggressive.
- What about sarcasm? Wouldn't that further confuse brands when trying to distinguish between positive and negative sentiment?
- Speaking of, what would that mean for the ever-debated-and-always-differing "Engagement" metric?
So, what side are you on? Pro "Dislike" button? Con? Or do you join us in supporting The Zuck POV?