Facebook considering ‘sympathize’ option as an alternative to ‘like’

Dec 9, 2013 - 17:43
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Facebook considering ‘sympathize’ option as an alternative to ‘like’
There are no firm plans to introduce the ‘sympathize’ button to users (Picture: Getty)

Facebook is considering rolling out a ‘sympathize' option as an alteative to ‘like'.

The option to ‘sympathize' with a post on the social networking site would become available if a user had used a negative emotion in their status update, and could remove the incongruity of ‘liking' news of a tragic event.

The ‘sympathize' button was developed at a previous Facebook hackathon but resurfaced at a separate ‘compassion research day' web event last week. However, there are no firm plans to introduce it on the live site.

‘A lot of people were very excited. But we made a decision that it was not exactly the right time to launch that product. Yet,' Facebook engineer Dan Muriello was quoted by the Huffington Post as saying.

‘It would be, 'five people sympathize with this”, instead of 'five people like this”.'

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.