Since Twitter’s integration of Moment’s and the continual updates of Facebook’s algorithm and other miscellaneous features, these two major social networking platforms are working hard to accommodate the times and minds of the millennials. One of these most recent “tests” to the Facebook network platform is Facebook’s Reactions.
In place of a “dislike” button, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg shares the purpose of the emoticons: “A more expressive Like button.” Instead of just one option for showing your opinion or “reaction” to a status update or post, you can choose from a variety of emoji emotions, which are: Love, Haha, Yay, Wow, Sad, Angry.
People’s reactions are skeptical thus far. As web marketing geeks, our reactions fall into two camps.
Initial reaction: We get it. It was inevitable.
Facebook users have been begging for a “dislike” button for a while. Although a dislike button would have been an easier addition, Zuckerberg reasons that the emoji emotions will permit more empathetic expressions. Emoticons are everywhere now, in newsletters, Tweets and, yes, Facebook status updates. It was only a matter of time before the social networking giant submitted to the wave visual individuals.
Since the new update doesn’t affect Facebook ads, there isn’t too much to worry about there…yet. Speaking of which, what does this mean for Facebook Business pages?
After deliberating a little bit further, we had another response.
After we thought about it reaction: Facebook Reactions may not get the reactions desired.
People may think they want emoji options as they update “What’s on your mind” when watching the Democratic debate, but the same people may not be happy with the consequences as they receive more angry emoji reactions than love reactions. The variety of emoticons may cause for less interaction and comments on posts as well.
On the other hand (the web marketing hand), according to the Facebook’s director of product, Reactions will eventually be registered separately in Facebook’s analytics dashboard for its Ad Manager. This will allow for a more accurate summary of customers’ responses to ads and posts but may do little to offer true empathy to the everyday user or the instant gratification one gets from just “likes.”
A Las Vegas Web Presence Marketing Firm final diagnosis: It’s too early to tell.
As the tests continue to roll out to different countries, more results will come to the front, allowing social media marketing strategies to adapt accordingly. Tell us your reactions and Tweet us at @postlaunchco or “react” to some of our other stuff on Facebook. Contact us for any further news in the world of web presence marketing.
