Facebook to trial 'dislike' button for first time in Messenger app overhaul

New feature available to small number of users on Messenger app

Facebook had previously resisted calls for the "dislike" feature (Getty)

Facebook is trialling a “dislike” button for the first time, in response to high demand from users.

The feature has been rolled out to a small number of people on the Messenger app, who now have the option to respond to individual messages.

Facebook wants users to attach emojis to messages in a similar way to the “reactions” feature on the news feed.

The social media giant had previously ignored calls for the “dislike” button due to fears the feature might be used as a form of bullying and would be unpopular with big brands.

Facebook is however adamant this is more of a “no” button and it is being tested to see if the reaction is helpful for when group conversations need to vote, for instance.

“We’re always testing ways to make Messenger more fun and engaging. This is a small test where we enable people to share an emoji that best represents their feelings on a message,” a Facebook representative told TechCrunch.

Facebook launched reactions almost one year ago and the feature has proven to be popular.

More than 300 billion reactions have been sent to date and “love” is the most frequently used, according to New York magazine.

The Independent has contacted Facebook for comment.