Facebook Introduces New Care Emoji Reaction During Pandemic
Facebook rolls out a new "care" emoji reaction across its main app and Messenger to help users show support during the coronavirus pandemic. This marks the first addition to the platform's reaction options since expanding beyond the "like" button in 2015.
Facebook introduces a new "care" emoji reaction to help users express support while staying connected during the coronavirus pandemic. The new reaction features a face hugging a heart for the main Facebook app and a pulsing heart for Messenger, joining the existing options like thumbs up, laughing, and sadness emojis.
This update marks the first time Facebook expands its reaction options since adding empathy-focused emojis back in 2015. Messenger users access the new pulsing heart immediately by pressing and holding the standard heart reaction, while the face-hugging-heart emoji arrives on the main Facebook app starting next week.
Facebook designers and spokespeople state that this addition aims to help people show extra love and support during an uncertain time. While a simple emoji does not solve major pandemic challenges, it provides a meaningful way for isolated individuals to communicate empathy and let friends and family know they are thinking of them.