There have been numerous scams going around Facebook that advertise an app that will enable you to use a “dislike” button. So far, no legitimate “dislike” button has been designed: why? I can think of several reasons right off the top of my head…

Firstly, Facebook is a place where people make themselves very vulnerable. Moreover, Facebook doesn’t have the same “Freakshow” quality that you’ll find on YouTube. It may be fair to “dislike” a video on YouTube if someone has gone out of their way to show their non-talent to the world. But on Facebook, the “dislike” button could be easily misused. People forget that a large number of Facebook users are under the age of 18. The dislike button could be used as a way for teens (and adults) to bully one another. How would you like to post a picture of your new haircut and come home and see:

Amy Jones DISLIKES your picture

“Liking” something is okay, but when you “dislike” something, it requires a little more explanation. YouTube is not as personal as Facebook. When you tell a friend that you “dislike” his or her haircut, you should probably tell them why. A “dislike” is not a form of constructive criticism. I actually see plenty of constructive “conversations” come up when someone doesn’t “like” content posted on Facebook. I’m afraid if we give people the option of “disliking” something, people will throw around negative judgement without ever giving a reason for why they don’t approve of what you posted.