Wondering How (And When) To Use Facebook's Reactions? Here's Your Guide
In addition to "like," you can "love," "wow," "haha," "sad" or "angry" at all the ridiculous things your friends post on Facebook.
Facebook did something revolutionary on Feb. 24 when they unleashed a series of "Reaction" buttons because everyone was sooo over the boring old "Like" button.
To get the reactions to pop up, all you do is hover over the "Like" button.
Some are loving it.
Some are finding the humor in it.
And some are already having a bad user experience with it.
So, when exactly should (and shouldn't) you be using these "Reaction" buttons?
1. "Like"
Intended use: giving someone a thumbs up, approval or support
So when you want the person to know you exist, but not be overly creepy about it, use the default like button. Maybe you were friends in elementary school and want to support them in their life endeavors but don't want to go overboard on the reactions because you haven't talked in 10 years and that's just weird.
2. "Love"
Intended use: flirting and showing your *love* for something (or someone)
If your crush posts a hot pic and you want to ~more than like~ it, that's what love is for! The "love" button is pretty much designed for us to flirt on Facebook. You know how excited you used to get when your crush would just "like" something? Imagine now getting the giddy feeling when they love something of yours. Thanks, Facebook!
3. "Haha"
Intended use: when something is funny to you and you want everyone to know you laughed
Facebook probably wants us to use this for silly things like the Damn Daniel video, but now there's anxiety of posting a selfie where you think you look hot and are hoping to get "love" instead of "haha." Or maybe you have a stain on your shirt and don't notice it until someone gives you a "haha." Hopefully you have some nice Facebook friends.
4. "Wow"
Intended use: When something blows your mind
"Wow" is probably supposed to be used when your Facebook friend posts a home video of themselves hula-hooping and they're sorta good at it - but I bet people will go crazy with this one since it can apply to anything. Offensive, political Facebook status? Wow. Baby announcement? Wow. When you accidentally post a picture where your double chin is apparent? Wow.
5. "Sad"
Intended use: To express grief over something
People have always felt awkward about "liking" a status about someone's deceased loved one, which is why people were pushing for a dislike button. The sad button can also be used to express sympathy for someone who posts about how it's snowing out but they have no food in their kitchen, or how they didn't have enough lighting for the perfect selfie... the list goes on.
6. "Angry"
Intended use: when something pisses you off and you want everyone to know it
Shit is about to get real with the angry button. Think twice about posting a controversial political status to avoid ending up with a ton of angry emojis. Or, it can unite a whole lot of us who are angry about one thing - just thing of the f*cked up Kesha ordeal.
Welcome to Facebook in 2016, folks. How do you feel?
