Facebook has become an inseparable part of everyone's lives. Maximum hours of the day and even night are spent hunched over the computer either uploading photos, messaging and generally letting the whole world know about how one feels, on the social network platform.
That being so, the 'Like' button is, perhaps, the most commonly used button on the social website.
Now, Facebook is developing a 'Sympathy' button, but with no immediate plans to launch it soon. There is a general feeling that emotions are being reduced to a mere button without any real feelings.
Actor Anu Mol likes following her heart. She has essayed some bold roles in her films. Her recent performance in 'Vedivazhipadu' has added more brownie points to her kitty. As someone who is very active on social media, she says, “I am active on FB. But what I don't understand is people's obsession to click pictures, post it on FB and then wait for the 'Likes' to happen. Personally, I don't agree with the idea of a 'Sympathy' button; nobody needs sympathy! If one feels emotionally weak at any time, it's only a passing phase!"
What about sad news or announcement of death of a loved one? “Death is a natural process," she says, “So there is no need for anyone to sympathise! Personally, I feel it is always better to offer your condolences in person or words, rather than clicking a sympathy button. Written words can alleviate the pain to a greater extent rather than just clicking a button," says Anu.
While emotions are hidden behind emoticons and many users resort to using 'smileys' to express their feelings than real words, Nisha J. K., director of Green Pepper Consulting India Pvt. Ltd., has a different take.
“ With Facebook becoming a platform for sharing personal information, when sensitive news like a death of a close one or being fired from one's job, breakup or illness is posted its inappropriate to 'Like'. So instead of the 'I'm sorry', 'Hang in there buddy' and condolence messages, the 'Sympathy' button will help share the emotion with the click of a button. Hope the number of 'Sympathy' button users are not just a statistic and people actually take time to call and empathise when the situation demands."
While opinions may differ, a 'Sympathy' button would definitely have its use, according to Aardraa Nambiar, freelance media co-coordinator, in times of sad news or death being announced.
“More than a 'Like', I would definitely be in favour of using the 'Sympathy' button when words may fail you. But I would not want sympathy to be reduced to a mere click of a button.
