The news is filled today (Wednesday 16 September) with news that Facebook is going to introduce a dislike button to its options. Opinion seems to be split about whether that is a good thing and what may come from this change. For me, it has introduced more concern as I will have to get to grips with what this means.
For years I have struggled with the fact that I post some bad news on Facebook to share with friends and then they like it. I realise, although it still feels strange, that they are using the like to show support rather than liking the fact some tragedy has unfolded. It is even more confusing for me at work as details of some appalling crime is posted and then people like it. I really struggle with this as I know that they can’t be supportive of the criminal.
So how am I going to deal with this new dislike button?
Personally I know that if someone dislikes something I post then I will feel it is a negative position for me. Imagine that I post something about having a good day or achieving something and it then gets disliked that will definitely be the end of a friendship. And at least I will be able to see who has disliked it. At work the dislike button could create some havoc. I would be concerned if victims on telling their stories are disliked as they may feel it is directed at them rather than at the nature of the crime.
In short, it is going to take a bit of time to get used to this change and I just hope people use it in a positive way. I can only think of something my mum has regularly said to me ‘if you can’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all’.
Amandacomms's Blog 