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
-
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘Ghanaians should expect victory against Stade Malien’ – Dreams FC forward Ishmael Dede
16 mins -
CAF Confederation Cup: ‘We want to go there and win’ – Karim Zito on Stade Malian clash
42 mins -
Togbe Adzie Lãkle Howusu XII endorses youth leadership as New Force Movement gains momentum
1 hour -
Public Utility Workers Union appeals to PURC to address power crisis
2 hours -
Anbariya loses another appeal in Kumasi as Appeal Court ratifies High Court ruling against the Islamic Institute
2 hours -
Highway construction health hazard: Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam residents appeal for dust relief
2 hours -
SuperJazzClub releases its first single of the year ‘Off’
2 hours -
Methodist Church to lobby Akufo-Addo for expedited assent to anti-LGBTQI+ Bill
2 hours -
Spare health facilities from unplanned ‘dumsor’ – Minority to government
2 hours -
Eritrea Observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2024
3 hours -
Just give us ‘dumsor’ timetable to plan our operations – GMA tells ECG
3 hours -
Parliament petitions Chief Justice for an expedited hearing of cases against anti-LGBTQI+ Bill
3 hours -
The Attorney General vs NDC impasse – why they ‘fight’
3 hours -
High Court orders teacher unions to end strike
3 hours -
‘He worked with all staff irrespective of their status’ – GRA hails Dr Ammishaddai
4 hours