Why We Need a Facebook “Dislike” Button

 

When Facebook unveiled its “Like” button, there were a lot of unhappy people.We Facebook users like some things: Fridays, vacations, concerts, sushi, Betty White. But we also dislike a lot of things: Mondays, being sick, long lines, warm pillows.
 


 

Facebook claims a “Dislike” button isn’t necessary because there are other ways to express that you dislike something on Facebook. But most of all, they want to keep the site a “positive” place. Well, that is fine and dandy — for Disneybook or for Candylandbook. But this is Facebook. It’s supposed to be the place where “you share with the people in your life.” If I’m disliking something, hell yes, I want the people in my network to be aware of my opinion!
 


 

Facebook should have been created with equality in mind. In the year 2010, with the advanced social media revolution transforming many aspects of our lives, we should be able to advertise and express our negative opinions just as much as our positive voices. If we want to let people know we are not a fan of something, then we should be able to do so! Although this idea would probably drive community pages, brand and products Facebook accounts down a whirlwind of PR nightmares, I am still wondering, “Where is our “Dislike” button?”

For those of you new to this hot-button button issue, let’s go over why we are in favor of the “dislike” option on Facebook.
 

“Liking” certain posts becomes a sarcastic mockery.

Whether a friend posts an irritating complaint, some awful statistic about a war, or shockingly sad news of a breakup, that little thumbs-up icon appears like some grinning stoner. If a boyfriend views a picture of his girlfriend dancing with another guy (although might have been an innocent dance) at a club, and then clicks the “like” button, it is clear that he actually is using this feature to signify the opposite of how he really feels about the photo. Additionally, not only is he expressing his disapproval clicking “like,” it is a signal to the girlfriend and her male dance partner that he saw the picture and knows what they were up to. As you can see, people are using the “like” to signify when they really “dislike” something and it can get confusing since there is only one feature to illustrate contrasting feelings. Until there’s a “dislike” button, if you want to express your agreement or solidarity, a frowny face emoticon will just have to suffice.

 


 


 


 

Misery loves company.

Sometimes it feels good to know you are united with others that share your common, negative, cynical opinions about very significant topics, and sometimes not so important topics. Everything doesn’t always have to be rainbows and dandelions. There are always going to be conflicting perspective and opinions in life. Facebook should get over it.


 

Some outside developers have responded to the pro-Dislike movement. There is now a Facebook “Dislike” button add-on for the Firefox browser. The catch? Only other users of the add-on can see if you’ve Disliked something.

Only time will tell what will happen with this controversy. What do you think Facebook should do? Have you found any good “Dislike” button alternatives? Let us know in the comments below.