Audio By Carbonatix
App researcher Jane Manchun Wong found code inside Facebookâs 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 â[a friend] and othersâ instead of a specific number of other people.
Facebook confirmed to TechCrunch that itâs considering a test that would hide like counts, but that the test hasnât 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 itâs been successful so far, since itâs 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 wonât get likes, or they may delete things that didnât 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 weâre likely to see tests like these continue to expand.
Latest Stories
-
The price of inaction: Why we must invest now to end FGM in West, Central Africa
1 hour -
Mahama recalls High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal over vote-buying allegations
2 hours -
VALCO not for sale; government pursuing strategic partnership to revive smelter â GIADEC CEO
2 hours -
GIADEC boss warns of job losses as government turns to partnerships to save VALCO
2 hours -
Baba Jamal expresses gratitude, calls for unity after securing Ayawaso East NDC slot
3 hours -
Ayawaso East Primary: Sharing the TVs is only a gift, not meant to influence votes – Baba Jamal
4 hours -
Ayawaso East: I’ve been giving gifts this week – Baba Jamal admits giving out TV sets
5 hours -
Baba Jamal wins NDC Ayawaso East Primaries
5 hours -
NDC Ayawaso East primary: Baba Jamal expresses confidence after voting
5 hours -
Mahama approves operating licence for UMaT mining initiative
5 hours -
NDC condemns vote-buying in Ayawaso East primaries, launches investigation
5 hours -
Ayawaso East NDC primary: Sorting and counting underway after voting ends
6 hours -
Africa must build its own table, not remain on the menu â Ace Anan Ankomah
6 hours -
US wants Russia and Ukraine to end war by June, says Zelensky
6 hours -
Let’s not politicise inflation – Kwadwo Poku urges NDC
7 hours
