McDonald's New Character 'Happy' Gets Funny Reactions From Social Media Users [PHOTO, VIDEO]

McDonald's has recently released a new character named Happy, who serves as a new addition to McDonald's Happy Meal team of characters like Grimace and Hamburgler.

McDonald's attempt to introduce a new friendly character to the public has raked in negative responses from Twitter and Facebook users. The box-shaped character is complete with "lively" eyes, white rubber-thin arms and legs, gym shoes and a very huge toothy smile.

Happy is designed to promote healthier Happy Meals for children. BUt the intention and advertisement were lost over Twitter users' fear and jokes. Since Happy's recent social media introduction in the U.S., social media users had battered the new character for the past few days.

Happy's job is to "encourage kids to enjoy fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and wholesome beverages such as water or juice," according to McDonald's official press release. The character debuted first in France in 2009, and later appeared in Latin America and other European countries. Happy will make its official arrival in the U.S. on May 23.

McDonald's intention is for the character to get a friendlier reaction from children. Happy plays a part in encouraging children to have more fun in their Happy Meals, which now have healthier food choices like low-fat yogurt, fruits and vegetables.

Happy is one of McDonald's new marketing strategies to improve nutrition in its menus, especially to the food they sell to kids. "McDonald's plans to offer low-fat yogurt as a children's side dish beginning July 4," Bloomberg reported.

In the same report, McDonald's spokesman Kristin Hylek said in an email that they first released Happy on Twitter because "Social media is a great place to have a conversation and express an opinion, but not all comments reflect the broader view."

In McDonald's efforts to introduce a new look of its other characters, Ronald McDonald gets his own makeover as well. His new costume now includes a yellow cargo pants, red blazer and striped rugby shirt.

Here is the picture of Happy and its recent Twitter reactions.

Say hello to our newest friend, Happy! http://t.co/CuR3hU8Chj #HappyMeal pic.twitter.com/xgluLaHfcY

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) May 19, 2014

@applextree @McDonalds I didn't want to sleep tonight anyways, it's cool. — Jamie (@wonkachu) May 19, 2014

@jitka @McDonalds a McStake — damn fine hat (@BromanConsul) May 19, 2014

@mashable @McDonalds looks like a mascot for my dentist. "Be sure to brush or I will eat you." #freaky #mcdonaldsmascot

— Steven Dumas (@stevedumas) May 20, 2014

McDonald's FR
Here's Happy's video advertisement from France.

CREDIT: McDonald's FR/YouTube