Facebook has started compiling user reactions to new alternatives to its iconic “Like” button that let users express new emotions. The tests began in Ireland and Spain on Thursday and allows users to express emotions like love, happiness, laughter, shock, sadness and anger.

In the ongoing tests, clicking the thumbs-up icon opens seven icons: Like, Love, Haha, Yay, Wow, Sad and Angry. The status update will display segments for each reaction that can be tapped and used. A spokesperson mentioned the extension of the Like button will give users more options that share quick and easy reactions on a Facebook page, reports The Telegraph.

Chris Cox, chief product officer at Facebook, confirmed the new buttons don’t include the a “dislike” button but said Facebook would address the long awaited request from users.

We studied which comments and reactions are most commonly and universally expressed across Facebook, then worked to design an experience around them that was elegant and fun,” said Cox on his Facebook page.

Last month, Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the company’s working on the long awaited “Dislike” button . He recognised it’s important to give people options to express empathy or compassion when hitting “Like” is inappropriate.

But he also mentioned he doesn’t want the social networking platform becoming the “forum” where people can vote ‘up’ or ‘down’ on people’s posts. Zuckerberg wanted to avoid a negative approach and said “it is surprisingly complicated to make an interaction that will be simple” during a session held at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California.

The “Like” button was rolled out in 2009 and enables 1.49 billion Facebook users to express positive reactions. Cox reassured the new feature will soon reach users.

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