Rate comments on Facebook's public posts with Reddit-style upvote/downvote buttons
What's the story
Facebook had earlier confirmed that it was testing Reddit-style upvote and downvote buttons for comments on public posts in the US.
Now, the feature is being rolled-out to users in Australia and New Zealand as well. It is aimed at improving the quality of public discourse on the platform.
Users who've gained access to the feature have taken to Twitter to express their astonishment.
Twitter Post
The unexpected feature takes users by surprise
Does Facebook now have some kind of upvote/downvote system? Never seen this before 🤨 pic.twitter.com/ysscCMq2Mi
— ashslay (@ashsparkle) April 29, 2018
Details
Facebook won't reveal who has upvoted or downvoted a comment
Under the feature, every comment on a public post has an upward and a downward facing arrow. This is in addition to the reaction emojis.
Clicking on upvote or downvote arrows will only show the total number count.
As per Facebook, the upvote button should be used for comments that are "helpful or insightful." Comments with most upvotes will be pushed to the top.
Caution
Unlike Reddit, the downvote button is not a dislike button
Similarly, the downvote button should be used to call out "bad comments" which have "bad intentions or are disrespectful."
Facebook emphasized that the downvote button is not to be used as a dislike button, but to only flag inappropriate comments.
"We are not testing a dislike button. We are exploring a feature for people to give us feedback about comments on public page posts."
Twitter Post
The feedback system puts a lot of faith in users
Hmmmm. Not sure I like the Upvote and Downvote feature of Facebook. Time will tell I guess. pic.twitter.com/hxvjW7HaTX
— BEN SLATER 🌀 (@iambenslater) April 29, 2018
Information
Damage control
Facebook's reputation has been rather tarnished in the aftermath of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The feature can be seen as the company's effort to clean up its act and promote a transparent comment feedback system on the platform.