Liz Stinson and Margaret Rhodes from WIRED Magazine have come up with alternative social media buttons in light of Facebook's long awaited "dislike button".Conveying your feelings with just a single button or picture is difficult but WIRED has the right idea -- creating buttons that better suggest empathy rather than a simple thumbs up or down.
The ear button or the "I hear you" button is a suggested icon that applies to many various scenarios while agreeing with opinions people my post on social media. It's perfect for providing empathy in difficult situations and sounds much more encouraging than a simple "like."
The most innovative button the team came up with is the "hands holding a heart" button. This dynamic icon clearly conveys the message of empathy, while incorporating messages of support and solidarity.
Alternative Social Media Buttons
These Icons May Better Describe People's Feelings on Facebook
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Social Media Buttons - These buttons offer a more nuanced and empathetic way to express feelings on social media platforms.
2. Improved Emotional Communication - Innovative icons allow users to convey empathy and support in a more meaningful and nuanced manner.
3. User-centric Social Media Design - The development of alternative social media buttons reflects a growing demand for more inclusive and emotionally expressive digital interactions.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Alternative social media buttons create opportunities for platforms to enhance user experiences and strengthen emotional connections.
2. Graphic Design - The creation of new and emotive icons for social media buttons opens up the potential for innovative graphic design approaches in digital communication.
3. User Experience Design - The introduction of more empathetic social media buttons prompts the need for user experience designers to rethink and enhance emotional interaction design principles.