FB Messenger allows mentions and reactions, adds ‘dislike’ button

Image: Facebook via AFP Relaxnews

New functions are being rolled out to Facebook Messenger, including reactions to messages and photos sent via the app, and the ability to bring users into conversations with mentions. The idea is to make group chats more fun and more intuitive.

Facebook Messenger’s new “reactions” let users acknowledge and react to messages (text, image, video) with emotions symbolized by emojis. In fact, the idea comes straight from the Facebook social network, where users can already react to status updates and posts with a “like” or a “heart,” for example.

One key difference is that the Messenger reactions include a thumbs-down, or “dislike” button, still not available on the social network despite widespread demand.

In principle, the reactions work in exactly the same way as those available via the Apple Messages app. Notifications alert users when someone reacts to one of their messages.

Facebook has also introduced “mentions” to Messenger, allowing users to mention others in conversations by typing the symbol @ followed by the name of the person, who will then receive a notification. They can then join the conversation by answering the message.

Mentions and reactions are currently being rolled out to Facebook Messenger. JB