facebook_dislike.jpg

Facebook has a new "dislike" button, sort of. Thumbs up or thumbs down?

(Facebook)

If you're a Grinch, the world's most popular social network has some good news for you this holiday season.

Facebook has finally launched a "dislike" button -- sort of. The Verge reports the site's Messenger app has a new pack of stickers, including a "thumbs down" icon, that users can use when sending private messages to their friends.

According to Mashable, Facebook first introduced its stickers in April to enhance conversations through the web and mobile chat application. The site-branded emoticons include a sore thumb, a peace sign, a hand holding a heart, a fist (presumably for fist-bumping or fist-pumping), a finger poke and the new thumbs down.

Users who want to start "disliking" friends' messages can download the sticker pack by clicking the smiley face icon within a Facebook Messenger chat session on the desktop site or mobile app.

As far as sharing your daily updates, relationship statuses and selfie photos, though, friends and family can still only "like" them. Bah humbug.

The site, first launched in 2004, has resisted numerous campaigns and petitions to balance the constant positivity with the option to express negativity or disapproval. After all, not every Christmas sweater warrants a thumbs up, no matter how much your grandmother loves it.

Facebook remains popular, reportedly used now by more than 1.2 billion people around the globe, despite numerous controversies. The site's been accused of censoring breastfeeding photos while allowing violent, graphic videos, and now users are expressing concerns over new auto-play video advertisements that appear in Timelines.

What do you think? Should Facebook launch the "dislike" button on regular status updates?