Facebook has introduced a new reaction to help people ‘feel more connected’ during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The ‘care’ reaction, also known as the ‘hug’, is being gradually rolled out worldwide, and people are loving it.
facebook new hug/care reaction ? pic.twitter.com/EzDl3rreGy
— Charles Leoj (@Leojify) April 30, 2020
We’re all very familiar with the ‘like’ ‘love’ ‘laughing’ ‘shocked’ ‘sad’ and ‘angry’ reactions, and there have been additional ones added in the past. For example, a flower for Mother’s Day, and a rainbow reaction for gay pride.
The latest addition depicts a smiley face emoji hugging a heart, and it even animates to give a squeeze when you click it.
Alexandru Voica, EMEA tech comms manager at Facebook, took to Twitter to share that there is also a Messenger-friendly reaction.
He wrote: “Were launching new Care reactions on @facebookapp and @Messenger as a way for people to share their support with one another during this unprecedented time.
“We hope these reactions give people additional ways to show their support during the #COVID19 crisis.”
Were launching new Care reactions on @facebookapp and @Messenger as a way for people to share their support with one another during this unprecedented time.
— Alexandru Voica (@alexvoica) April 17, 2020
We hope these reactions give people additional ways to show their support during the #COVID19 crisis. pic.twitter.com/HunGyK8KQw
Facebook users are loving the reaction, and have shown their appreciation on social media.
I really love facebook new emoji like~ its looks we hug him ? so damn cute!! ?#EXO #?? #CHANYEOL #?? pic.twitter.com/g996UfneSR
— 9404 ??? ?? ??? (@xunqisbbh) April 30, 2020
This is a public service announcement: there is now a hug reaction on Facebook, A HUG!! Share those hugs around like you shared love on Bebo GO pic.twitter.com/wAuU1XZxx7
— lucyjane (@lucyjanegrant) April 30, 2020
Make sure you’re all taking care of each other out there.
Featured image credit: Facebook