What the %&#$ is Wrong?

Chances are that you have probably seen someone join a group on Facebook or are even in a group on Facebook that has to do with getting the “Dislike Button”.  Right now, there are 3,204,192 people that are fans of the main page for the dislike button.  There are millions more in other groups as well, and of course there are  people that have joined every group they have found that has to do with the dislike button.

I have not joined any of those groups, and for a very simple reason.  I do not think that the dislike button will be a good thing for Facebook.  Here’s why:

1. Non-Interpersonal Conflict – When someone posts a status update or a link, a user could simply click dislike the item.  Without the dislike button, someone would have to comment with a rebuttal or some type of argument which would take some time to be thought out which would result in a lot less negative feedback or debate.  The dislike button would give access to a lot more trolling and would initiate a lot more heated debate than there would be in the first place.
2. More Confusion – Just as there is with the like button now, people would be more confused with both buttons available.  Did you like the post?  Did you like the fact that I posted it?  Did you not like that I posted it?  Do you not like the topic?  Do you not like the website?  Do you not like me?  Do you like the topic it is about?  All of these questions could arise from simple button clicks of like or dislike to what someone says or what someone posts.
3. Atmosphere – Facebook was a big sigh of relief for many people who went to Facebook from Myspace.  It has a positive atmosphere, clean interface, and you interact with your friends.  The dislike button will change that atmosphere.  It will create a darker, more negative atmosphere between you and your friends.  Why would you want that?  Making the atmosphere of Facebook into a more of a negative place will only cause friction, drama, and people’s feelings to get hurt.
4. Learn From Myspace – I think that Facebook needs to learn from Myspace.  The darker, more negative tone of the site as people were arguing and begging for a top 8 spot, asking why they are out of your top 8, etc. is what made Facebook the new leader in social networking.  If Facebook implemented the dislike button, it will turn into Myspace 2.0 and another site will be created and eventually overtake Facebook sooner rather than later.

I think that Facebook will not implement the feature due to some of these reasons.  These reasons are what made the site into the successful site it is today.

If you are absolutely set in wanting a dislike button, there is an add-on for that in Firefox.  But then again, why add to the drama?

SaumZ