5 Facebook buttons we really wish we had

MANILA, Philippines – Like, comment, and share: we click on these 3 buttons countless times when we’re on Facebook. They’re how we move around the platform – we show approval, we opine, and we pass on information.

But real social interaction isn’t limited to just these 3 motions. It’s high time our Facebook experience became more nuanced, and allowed us to converse and engage a tad more like how we do in real life. 

The following are 5 Facebook buttons we really wish we had:

1) Dislike

Let’s start with the obvious. Just because you’re among friends doesn’t mean they don’t disagree with you on some points. In fact, a dislike button is an excellent way to build a sense of maturity. You need to get used to not having “yes men” around you all the time. It’s also a quick way of gauging how your friends think of a certain issue, without having to sift through the comments section. 

Sample status for disliking 1: So I was out for lunch and there was a cockroach in my burrito. I figured it was extra protein, so I ate it. 

Sample status for disliking 2: You know, Revilla does have a point. 

2) Hug

When people want to show their support for someone sad or distressed, liking their status isn’t exactly the most apt thing to do. Chances are, you’ve posted something emotional on Facebook and received a long trail of comments saying the same thing: *hug*. Wouldn’t it be easier if you just had a hug button? This would also be great for people who aren’t the type to write syrupy, emotive comments, but would still like to show a modicum of sympathy. 

Sample status for hugging 1: My poodle-shih tzu mix Floofy just died. I just lost my best friend. 

Sample status for hugging 2: I JUST GOT MUGGED AT GUNPOINT!!! I’M NEVER RIDING A CAB ALONE EVER AGAIN EVER EVER!!!

3) TMI

Oversharing is the lifeblood of Facebook. That said, some status posts are still better left unsaid. X-rated posts directed to romantic partners, or posts describing the shape and consistency of your latest bowel movement can be too much. A TMI – or Too Much Information – button would be a direct but gentle way of telling your friend that they should just step away from the keyboard from time to time. 

Sample status for TMI-ing 1: Hey baby, remember when you *BLEEP* my *BLEEP* with your *BLEEP* and we *BLEEP* at the *BLEEP* using *BLEEP*? *BLEEEEEEP*

Sample status for TMI-ing 2: You know that cockroach I ate with my burrito? Well, I ended up pooping after Math class and guess what? The legs are still intact. 

4) Clarify

A lot of Facebook users overshare, but a lot also undershare, to the point that their posts are overly vague and a waste of reading time. Worse, there are users who passive-aggressively rant about certain people or situations without giving away specifics. Think the status is about you? Or want to let your friend know that you’d care to learn more? A clarify button can signal to them to message you the details in private, or at least warn them that they’re being annoyingly ambiguous.  

Sample status for clarifying 1: The clouds, pink. Heavy. Light. And I wait for the morrow. Where will I be? 

Sample status for clarifying 2: You know, if you’d rather not tell me your problem, you can just screw yourself. #HATER2014

5) OMG

And then there are those status posts that can only merit pure, unadulterated shock.You’re left speechless, but want to let your friend know that you’re left speechless. No existing buttons on Facebook allow for something this subtle, so the addition of an OMG button will work wonders. Click on it first while you’re gathering your wits, just so you have a little leeway time to think of the right thing to comment! 

Sample status for OMG-ing 1: SO I WAS AT STARBUCKS HIGH STREET AND THEN JOHN LLOYD WALKED IN AND HE SAID HE LIKED MY DRESS, AND I WAS LIKE, “THANKS JOHN LLOYD!!!” AND HE SAID “INGAT!!!” BEST. DAY. EVER!!!

Sample status for OMG-ing 2: Napoles verdict: not guilty. 

What new buttons would you suggest for Facebook? Share your ideas in the comments section! – Rappler.com/Images by Raffy de Guzman