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❤ What "Reactions" would you like to see on SW? And how would you show Disapproval? 😥

[b]We have plans to implement Reactions/Emotions to Posts (and possibly Comments) on SW.[/b]

Not always will you have something to write (comment) about a post, and you may find it easier at times to leave some feedback by using our Reaction feature.

The list of options may include such emoji: ❤ 👍 😄 😢 😯 🤣 😥 😡

This list is meant to allow users be able to express their feelings toward a post or topic, in all major ways of human expression.

We recently posted today asking for feedback on the same topic, more specifically, feedback on the inclusion of a Thumbs Down/Dislike reaction: 👎

As it is one reaction of many, it would tend not to stand out that strongly, as for example with sites who only allow two options: Like / Dislike

However, we understand that many would prefer not to have such an option at all on SW, as it may potentially be used to harass others, and can leave negative feelings.

At the same time, we are wondering if members will be ok with excluding a way to express dislike on a topic/post.

[sep]

[b][u]An example for better illustration:[/u][/b]

Someone makes such a post:
[quote]I like seeing other women while my girlfriend is away 😉[/quote]

[b]How would you want to "React" to such a post?

Would any of the other reaction options be sufficient?
or can you suggest for us a reaction option that would be suitable?

Or is it better not to have any option to react in dislike of a post?

[u]Also, specifically guys:[/u] What sort of emoji/reaction would be suitable for you?[/b]

I understand that it "feels easier" for women to react to posts with: 😢 😡
While men may feel more apprehensive in using very expressive/emotional gestures.

We would genuinely like to know, as we want to make SW as convenient as possible to members, while we understand the stigma around having a "Dislike" option.

Here is our previous post, with poll, on the topic:

https://similarworlds.com/100-Admin-Announcements/1819695-Should-we-have-a-Dislike-button-on-posts

[sep]

Thanks for your feedback!
[c=#005E2F][i]-SW Team[/i][/c]

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

LordShadowfire ·

Eye roll.

LordShadowfire ·

Still an eye roll.

JarJarBoom · 41-45, F

🤢 <---- please include this

View 3 more replies »

Nuno · Admin

@Elessar Good point - the same way a Dislike button could be "abused" for trolling, this "disgusted" emoji could be used too. But I understand how this emoji could also be appropriate in other "legit" situations.

Elessar · 26-30, M

@JarJarBoom Harassers would still use it to bother people, e.g. marking all their posts and/or comments as disgusting, making them feel like whatever they post/say is disgusting, or even, that they're disgusting themselves. :/ Whereas, a simple angry emoji would be much less ambiguous, at least. IMO, of course.

trackboy · 22-25, M

@JarJarBoom that would be good for posting about making mistake of eating food after you had heavy night of drinking. or dealing with stomach flu.

caccoon · 36-40

In a world where we're increasingly growing detached from one another, personally, I am not in favour of this option. I realize it seems good for some reasons, but I think words are worth so much more. Even if it's "this makes me feel bad for you" as opposed to clicking a :( button. I think this place, for a lot of people, is a support site. You often see people "liking" depressive posts as a way to show support. In some cases, it feels okay, but in most cases, I think it's so much better to actually use words to support that person, because they are reaching out. I think having more options in lieu of a <3 button is going to encourage even more of that detached behaviour.

I also agree it could sometimes be used as a bullying mechanism with a "dislike" feature.

Anyway, that's just my opinion.

View 2 more replies »

caccoon · 36-40

@Mamapolo2016 I agree completely. Sometimes it's hard to say until it's put into practice. Nothing can really replace words, and maybe those people who would click a button to display a motion wouldn't have commented in the first place anyway.

It's so hard to say! I just really think it's important to have a little more connection, so I agree with you.

Fungirlmmm · 51-55, F

@caccoon valid points. I think we are quickly losing the human connection. I can go through and click like dislike over and over and never read a post, (I wouldn't so that) but if I an commenting I at least have to put coherent thought into it.

CoffeeFirst · 56-60, F

@caccoon I support coherent thought...with proper punctuation.

JRVanguard · 26-30, M

I’m against anything negative reaction wise, there’s enough negativity on here

If a post is genuinely offensive or something you can say it with a comment, I don’t think a thumbs down does anyone any good

JRVanguard · 26-30, M

Also I think we can just comment the emoji, it might take more time as opposed to having a dedicated button but it’s also more personal and, I personally believe, you’re more likely to express your thoughts if there’s not that button

JerseyGal · 51-55, F

@JRVanguard I agree. There is enough negativity here and in real life.
I feel that if someone doesn't like a post or topic, keep scrolling.

DarlingSelah ·

I'd like to have the option of disabling whatever reactions become available.

JRVanguard · 26-30, M

@DarlingSelah Good call

Stark

@DarlingSelah I agree

summersong · F

@DarlingSelah agreed.

SW-User

This site is originally intended to be a [i]support group [/i] and having such negative reactions might not be a good idea. Most of the users are already affected by the negative things they've read around here, what more if every post they write, someone (might just wants to troll) clicks the [i]dislike [/i] button.. JS 🤷🏻

Stark

@SW-User exactly, or the angry emoji towards a vent post because they’re not being understanding to a situation or just trolling. I just have a bad feeling about it and I just feel every post someone makes who isn’t liked by someone else will get a crude reaction making users not want to post as much or even come on. It’s not necessarily something you can report either because it’s quite petty and minor but it’s something that can make a difference emotionally for some users.

SomeLikeItHot ·

@SW-User
EP was started as a site for emotional support. I don't think that is necessarily stated as a part of the mission of SW.

CountScrofula · 41-45, M

Honestly, of the reacts I think the 'laughing' react is the one I'm least comfortable with.

When doing this stuff you want to think about how they could be used to harass someone as opposed to thinking about how posting a laugh react on a funny meme would make the site better.

[b]How can these be weaponized?[/b] One of the things that makes SW special is that a lot of people find this a safe space (mostly) to talk about stuff they have no other outlet for. It's vital SW nurture that.

So for example a person could find a kid posting about suicidal thoughts and post a laughing react to every post. Same with dislikes and all that.

Sad, angry, love, and like seem less problematic but other people have thoughts on that here.

Although someone can post a hateful comment anywhere because that's the internet, completely anonymous sniping from the shadows is the danger. If someone posts something lousy, I know who did it. I won't know if there's a malicious react to a post.

summersong · F

@CountScrofula agreed. And since comments can be deleted and flagged by the poster and other users, there seems to be an increased opportunity for abuse with reactions.

CoffeeFirst · 56-60, F

@CountScrofula Agreed. My first reaction is there would be more potential for anonymous abuse. 😟

CheshireCatalyst · 36-40, M

I'm probably in the minority here, and I also probably sound incredibly old; but I prefer not having the option of expressing emotion through pictures.

It's not because I'm male, it's because I know how kind words can make me feel. The hug emoji does not elicit that feeling.

I know how I respond emotionally if someone has told me my post is stupid or wrong. The angry face does not elicit the response. It just confuses me.

I know how I get a little bit of pride if I post something good or impressive I've done, and someone takes the time to say "Wow! That's awesome!" but the surprised face does not elicit any response.

I hope this reply is in some way useful, but one thing I can tell you is that it was definitely more useful than me replying with: 😡👎🏻

Thanks for reading if you did.

Mamapolo2016 · F

@CheshireCatalyst I did.

Stark

I personally don’t like the idea, I don’t really see the point or the difference in just commenting on the post. The idea is better than the original thumb down option idea though. Although, I may end up liking this feature when seeing it in action. I didn’t care for the comments in the feed update at first, but after giving it a chance I realized how it can be a bit more convenient at times and that I actually enjoy the feature so this feature may end up having the same reaction from me in the end. 🤷🏽‍♀️ It’s really whatever the community chooses, I’m not as opposed to this idea as the first one so I’d be okay whether it happened or not.

Nuno · Admin

@Stark Hello. If by "original thumb down option idea" you mean what I had posted in the link below, please note that I was talking about the same Reactions/Emotions idea - I simply asked whether we should include the Dislike button or not.

https://similarworlds.com/100-Admin-Announcements/1819695-Should-we-have-a-Dislike-button-on-posts

Stark

@Nuno yeah, that’s what I was referring to either way, I was still referring to it being better than having a thumb down as an option.

SW-User

I'm really not a fan of any feature that could encourage negative or bullying behavior. I feel a "dislike" button could potentially do just that.

Stark

I would also like to point out how the emojis act really weird for me. I don’t know if it’s due to me being on my phone and if it’s just an issue I have, but they often don’t show up correctly and sometimes will messed up unless I scroll over them and then they’ll go to their correct form if that makes sense ? Sometimes scrolling over them doesn’t even change them to their correct form 🙊 and there’s been a time where the emoji I used for the context of the message wasn’t correct or didn’t make much sense so I had to ask the other user what emoji they originally used because it wasn’t showing up correctly for me. 😶
In the first photo the heart and thumb emoji meshed together, which is what happens mostly, the second image the thumb emoji is replacing some emojis by showing up multiple times, and the last image the issue is obvious and happens quite often too.
[image deleted][image deleted][image deleted]

Fishy · F

@Stark
I laughed when I seen this one

Stark

@Fishy a lot of them show up like that 😅 it honestly looks gross to me. Lol, at first it was kind of assuming, then frustrating, now I’ve gotten use to it and don’t even notice it. I just think I should point it out though, as admin may not be aware of it.

EugenieLaBorgia · F

When will we see the removal of predatory groups?

SomeLikeItHot ·

EP had a nice feature where the responses that had more likes would go to the top of the Post responses.

In the Main channel the posts with most likes went to the top.

LyricalOne · F

You must include the incredulous emoji... 😕.... or I will be devastated. 😓

View 8 more replies »

LyricalOne · F

@Mamapolo2016 Excellent! I love it!! 😜

Mamapolo2016 · F

@LyricalOne

LyricalOne · F

@Mamapolo2016 Now that prompted an actual lol!! 😉

SW-User

I think that reactions can be collected in a folder and marked and counted with words just like how if you expand on hearts (of posts you made), you get a list of things. You could probably take it a step further such that the first level when you open the reactions to a post, they reveal the emotion names (surprised, upset, etc, whatever) then a counter beside them. The user who made the post and VIP members can then view the PEOPLE behind each reaction? I dunno, just throwing ideas :v

I got what I wanted when @Andrew and @Nuno made cereal and cheeseburger gifts ;v
You guys are good bravs yo

View 3 more replies »

SW-User

@Fishy they got mama's, right?

Fishy · F

@SW-User Not all of them 😔

SW-User

@Fishy true v.v

LyricalOne · F

Hey Andrew, anything you can do to soften the like/dislike reaction would probably save admin and users a whole lot of aggravation in terms of having to listen to people whine about their feelers getting hurt.

View 1 more replies »

LyricalOne · F

@sighmeupforthat Yeah, but why invite that? There's enough of that crap going on already. I was on a site with a downrate button and there was no end to the bitching and moaning when people got downrated and couldn't handle it. They complained about being trolled and conspired against and shooters on the grassy knoll.....

sighmeupforthat · 46-50, M

@LyricalOne well being honest invites ... how should i say this?

snowflakery? that's a common issue with social portals.

then again block is hard when it's limited. (though, i find most i've blocked over the coupla years normally leave then i can clear them off... the 'rest' return as 'hi i'm new here' :P )

LyricalOne · F

@sighmeupforthat Ugh, there were days when half the questions would be from butthurt people who couldn't handle the fact that they were downrated, just like people here post questions about being blocked. Imagine that times a gazillion with all the downrates people could get in a day!! 🙄

ImpeccablyImperfect · 51-55, F

You should just remove all the emojis and the ability to post them secretly.
That might actually force us all to use our words and stand behind our voices instead of hide behind our screens.

Maybe then, people would learn to keep their nasty comments to themselves? Maybe???
A girl can hope, right?

Mamapolo2016 · F

@ImpeccablyImperfect Ya gotta have heart!

SomeLikeItHot ·

I am familiar with an app called "Vent" that expresses emotions in the Post and allows selections of reactions to that emotion.
They don't allow unsupportive/hateful reactions with the expressed emotion.

Andrew · Admin

@SomeLikeItHot Thank you.
Do they include an 😡 face by chance?

SomeLikeItHot ·

@Andrew If it is supported by the Post emotion which is a color and the stated Post emotion. They have reactions of "hug" or "same" available for most allowed reaction selections.

SW-User

im actually in favour of ‘negative’ emojis even though i voted against dislikes. it’s hard to be upset over emojis they’re so cute lol. also it’s more specific than an ambiguous dislike, so less likely to be abused.

YouCanCallMeDan · 41-45, M

I don’t mind getting dislikes or negative feedback. If someone gets lots of dislikes regularly would similarworlds give a warning to the user for making posts that aren’t liked by the majority?

Would the dislike feature be used to force people to make more likeable posts?

View 4 more replies »

Mamapolo2016 · F

@YouCanCallMeDan Do I think it's a good idea to try to force people to write more likeable posts?

I most definitely and emphatically do not, for a lot of reasons. One reason is that if people don't act nutso on social websites it will be harder for the FBI to identify them.

A second reason is, if we only want to read likeable posts that we agree with, SW can just set up a handful of groups complete with ready-made likeable posts, forget the reaction, and save us all time.

YouCanCallMeDan · 41-45, M

@Mamapolo2016 i can see similarworlds suspending users for receiving too many dislikes. 10 dislikes and it’s a two week suspension. 20 dislikes and they take legal action against you. 30 dislikes and you get hung drawn and quartered

Mamapolo2016 · F

@YouCanCallMeDan 40 dislikes and you get elected

Mamapolo2016 · F

If this is a place for dialogue, I think both positive and negative reactions can be part of the discussion. It doesn't seem to me that folks are shy about either reaction in words, and I don't know why it should be different with emojis. It might be advisable to limit the use (as in, you shouldn't be able to give 100 thumbs down on a post -just one will do!)

And that's my opinion.

SW-User

@Mamapolo2016 Yep agree. People don't have one limited reaction or feeling to most things in life, we have many expressions as humans

SW-User

How about one for "TL;DR" showing a bleary-eyed or snoozing emoji

Fishy · F

If we do get dislike and reaction features, will the OP get notifications about it and know who reacted to what? And will VIPs be able to see who reacted to what, like they can with hearting?

Or will it be anonymous?

Andrew · Admin

@Fishy The OP will get notifications of reactions to their posts.

[quote]And will VIPs be able to see who reacted to what, like they can with hearting? [/quote]

Yes, correct.

Like with Hearts, Reactions will be semi-anonymous, in that, only VIP users can see who hearted/reacted to posts/comments.

MistyCee

I'm not really fluent in emoji, but I'd love to be able to express disdain, skepticism or dissaproval in various ways without posting a comment or otherwise enraging a poster.

Everyone should have the right to express themselves and I think that frowns, eye rolls and the like are a good way to balance things. I've got friends here that i'd like to nudge without interfering with their posts and this kind of thing sounds great to me.

Andrew · Admin

@MistyCee Thanks for the feedback.

[quote]I think that frowns, eye rolls and the like are a good way to balance things[/quote]

Are you suggesting we include Frown and Eye Roll emotions instead of a Thumbs Down emotion?

Or inclusive with Thumbs Down?
Thanks.

MistyCee

@Andrew I've got no clue how hard the coding might be.

Ultimately, I think but a range of expression would be better than a down vote, but if it's too complicated, it defeats the purpose and it's easier to comment.

I guess, if you go beyond binary, I like sarcasm, but anything is better than just hearts.

IAmJess

@Andrew Okay, so I'm just catching up with your recent announcements today. Earlier on you first post I advocated for the thumbs down emoji. I've since read a lot of the pro/con vote and the cons have won me over. But I do like the idea of the frown and/or eye roll emoji. They aren't as ambiguously negative and express more specifically the emotion.

Elessar · 26-30, M

I think having '😡' would be fine and maybe better (/more specific) than a generic dislike button even for that post.

Andrew · Admin

@Elessar Thanks. It's possible that many may find it appropriate.
Let's see if we can get more agreeing.

Bushmanoz · 56-60, M

Some of us dislike emoticons..well I do. I like to talk, just like I would in person. I do use the heart thing because it seems to be expected practise on here, plus it's a handy way to pop into a post and let someone know you agree or appreciate what they have written, but don't have the time to write a reply. So I would like the option of a broken heart button or thumbs down one for the same reason. Maybe you could give members the option of having the "dislike" feature on their posts, that way people who are sensitive to criticism don't have to use it

View 2 more replies »

Andrew · Admin

@Bushmanoz 😄

Bushmanoz · 56-60, M

@Andrew Really tempted just to see what would happen, while you are here Andrew, one thing I personally would like to see as an option is the ability to reply with a quote from the persons post you are replying to. It was a feature on EP, and quite often you can reply to a message in a thread, and there are half a dozen new replies ahead of you by the time you respond, so what you are replying to becomes lost and confused

Andrew · Admin

@Bushmanoz Thanks for the feedback, I understand what you mean.
In such a case, it may be possible to link to the replied comment via its ID.

We can take not of this suggestion and discuss it for development consideration.

hlpflwthat · M

I can think of no more discouraging feature for a writer/poster than an anonymous system of judgment.

Is that truly an objective?

SW-User

Why react at all? That is what a troll wants.
Mute them. Refuse to interact with them.
People causing problems are not going to stop because you dislike their post..they thrive on any attention good or bad.
I am sorry, but I think adding fuel to the fire is not a good idea.
Why not be tougher on these so called vigilanties posting screen shots of private conversations and naming other user in a negative way?
All they do is stir up the trouble they claim they are trying to avoid.

SW-User

I hate the idea. I posted a well thought out opinion and wound up blocking at least a half dozen (some highly respected) people for their stupid attacks. I don't want additional ways for people to be abusive. It's already bad enough that everything requires too many clicks, so having to remove what shouldn't even exist is an imposition. Please never include anything like a thumbs down or brick option. It ruined more than one site.

Faust76 · 46-50, M

😱😬 There are probably people better versed in emoji... one possibility could be to allow most, if not all of them, possibly with quick-selection on ones the post has already received to prevent getting all of them. Of course, presumably a lot of people would specifically aim to get reactions expressing shock or disapproval, at least at first, so I'm not sure I like the idea of specific negatives.

SW-User

some people cannot function without their posse
and as seen on EP they flock together
and begin to flag and if they had the dislike
they would gang up on members
not everybody would be able to handle that
the thumbs down and angry face is there to use
but tbh
Personally, I won't mind the dislike option

Magenta · F

I kind of like the idea. :-) Although not sure the exact reactions I prefer. Would have to think about it.

Also, there have been many times I wanted to give "best response" on one of my stories or posts, so it would be displayed at the top of the responses.

Would you consider that?

RoboChloe · 26-30, F

❤ 🤣 😃 🙄 😢 😲 😥 <--- These are what I'd choose.

HeavenBesideYou · 56-60, F

I understand what you are saying about "hearting" a post where someone is expressing pain, but I don't like giving trolls the opportunity to be even more obnoxious.

I've put some thought into this, and the options I'd like to see are:

❤️💔

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Waste of time. Time better spent on improving the interface. Thousands of emojis are conveniently available right that ones finger tip if they only wished to install them.

beckyromero · 36-40, F

Not really in favor of any way were "reactions" can be used as a counting measure for an SW algorithm that [i]could[/i] be used to penalize members based on a number or percentage of down-votes, etc.

[b]Not saying SW would do this or that that is even part of the intention to implement such reactions.[/b]

But the [i]ability[/i] would be there. Bullying was a problem on EP with their flagging system and that's a sensitive issue for many of us who were bullied and harassed on EP.

[b]On the other hand, you guys are doing a great job with other recent additions, such as the message introduction feature.[/b]

bearinthebigbluehouse · 26-30, M

As long as you don't ban the bears then I'm down with any new additions. ┬┴┬┴┤•ᴥ•ʔ/ Although I am in favour of a dislike button.. Some cats on here are whack, dawg. ┏ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ┛

OfflineFriend · 22-25

How many reactions are you planning , 5 ? 10 ? 20?

View 1 more replies »

OfflineFriend · 22-25

@Andrew

Thanks :
So I would add :

-Approval : 👍😁

-Disapproval :👎

-thinking :🤔

-laughing :🤣

- disgusted:🤢

- congratulations:⭐️

-rage:😡

-shocked :😧

- "what is this ":😐

- "warning "🚫

-sad😢

Are you only going to use emojis ?

Andrew · Admin

@OfflineFriend Thanks very much. Nice comprehensive list. :)

We don't necessarily need to only include emoji.
We will likely have custom icons designed for this feature.

Once the reaction helps to properly convey the emotion/idea, this is most important.