facebook^TM is happy to use the word “Unlike”  to allow its members to reverse their decision to “Like” something; despite the obvious bastardisation of its true definition.

However if you perhaps do not like a post there is no way of displaying that emotion without commenting. Its a similar situation when it comes to websites that proudly offer the ability to “Like” their site.

There has been numerous occasions when I would have gladly hit the “Dislike” button if one were available.

If the Dislikes outnumbered the Likes then perhaps that would trigger a rethink on the part of the recipient.

 I would be happy to provide the Dislike button on my websites.

Now it is said by some that as the facebook mission is “to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected” that the addition of a “Dislike” button would go against this.

I disagree with this notion. I feel the addition of this functionality would improve openness and connection as feedback whether positive or negative is always good. Also it falls inline with what facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told ABC News that facebook “…is giving everyone a voice, right?”

This would also allow facebook, who already track absolutely everything you do, to provide yet another data stream to their advertisers.

In July 2011, Zuckerberg told American ABC News that they would “definitely think about” a “dislike” button. “People definitely seem to want it,” Zuckerberg said in an interview with Diane Sawyer.

So I live in hope…

Now for a word of warning.

There are a few scams out there that attempt to trick the unwary. One is a post that explains how if you. “just fill out this survey” you can get a dislike button. Another is a post  “Get the official DISLIKE button NOW!” which asks you to install an app. Don’t do it as you will be opening yourself up to a world of hassle.

facebook always announce their updates.
These can be found on their Newsroom – Announcements page.