Audio By Carbonatix
App researcher Jane Manchun Wong found code inside Facebook’s Android app that hides the exact amount of likes on a post from everyone but the original poster.
Other users will just see a few reaction emoji and a note that it was liked by “[a friend] and others” instead of a specific number of other people.
Facebook confirmed to TechCrunch that it’s considering a test that would hide like counts, but that the test hasn’t started running yet.
The test would make enough sense: Instagram started testing hiding like counts in this exact same way earlier this year, and there are signs it’s been successful so far, since it’s been expanded to more countries. People who are part of the test seem to like it, too.
While the like has been a key Facebook feature for a decade, users have increasingly complained that it can make them feel bad, as people get caught up worrying about whether their posts get enough likes.
People may not post things they fear won’t get likes, or they may delete things that didn’t perform well. Removing the public-facing like count could resolve some of that pressure.
If that leads to more posts on Facebook, and more time spent on Facebook, then we’re likely to see tests like these continue to expand.
Latest Stories
-
Man United and Bournemouth draw 4-4 in extra ordinary thriller
4 hours -
Canada’s Carney called out for ‘utilizing’ British spelling
5 hours -
Smooth end to Messi India tour after Kolkata chaos
5 hours -
Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board, BBC finds
5 hours -
Rob Reiner’s son Nick arrested for murder after director and wife found dead
5 hours -
What to delete from your emails to be taken more seriously at work
5 hours -
Airbnb fined £56m by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties
5 hours -
Activist petitions Interior Ministry over custodial death, demands mandatory budget for detainee meals
6 hours -
Men should take up jobs in makeup artistry – Cosmetology Expert
6 hours -
Court’s verdict an injustice, I’ve filed an appeal – Atiwa East DCE
7 hours -
Kpandai: If SC ruling goes against us, Ghana’s laws have stopped working – NPP’s Haruna Mohammed
7 hours -
Energy Minister receives PSP framework to drive efficiency in power distribution sector
7 hours -
Photos: Ooni of Ife confers prestigious Yoruba title on President Mahama in Nigeria
7 hours -
Zadokeli 2025: A grand comeback of culture and vision
8 hours -
GH¢70bn debt jump exposes structural weaknesses in economy – Oppong Nkrumah
8 hours
