Facebook is testing a downvote feature

Is Facebook finally letting users 'dislike?'

Facebook is testing out a new feature that lets users downvote comments - which could herald one of the biggest overhauls in years to the social network.

In a series of tweets, tech reporter Taylor Lorenz posted pictures of her Facebook feed showing the option to “downvote” comments, alongside the Like and Reply buttons. Multiple other people have since reported seeing the option in their feeds.

Comparing the feature to Reddit, where users can downvote or upvote content, Lorenz wrote: “Facebook is testing downvoting comments. Very Reddit tbh!”

The new feature does look similar to Reddit’s format - and it captured the attention of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian Sr., who tweeted in response: “Sincerest form of flattery! Wish I’d trademarked it and ‘upvote’ when I came up with it.”

A downvote or dislike button has long been a rumoured next step for Facebook, but until now the social media platform has mostly stuck with the positive-only thumbs-up button.

But it appears the feature is real - despite some assuming the pictures were fake.

In addition to others claiming they saw the downvote button on Facebook, a video uploaded to Twitter also shows the downvote option.

However, people are already questioning whether adding a downvote button is a good idea.

Responding to the original post, one person wrote: “I was just thinking that Facebook needed more negativity.”

And another said: “This will end poorly.”

The Independent has reached out to Facebook for confirmation.