Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg hosted a Q&A session from the company's California headquarters on September 15, Tuesday. He announced that the social network is testing a "dislike" button that will build on its iconic Like feature. He also revealed his optimism about artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), alluding to content filters, the Oculus VR Rift headset, and a new VR mobile app.
The chief executive explained in a live-streamed event that the new button could be used to show sadness, disappointment, or sympathy Some examples would be after a family member's death; or a tragic local, national, or international news event.
Zuckerberg revealed that people have been requesting the Dislike button for several years. However, they do not want to vote down other users. Instead, they wish to show that they empathize with online friends posting the bad news.
It is not clear how the new button would function or how it would be used in the News Feed algorithm. Earlier this year Facebook tested how long users stayed on sad posts.
Facebook will test the new feature soon. It could be rolled out widely based on the results of the tests, according to CBS News.
Zuckerberg also announced that the company intends to construct affordable housing near its Menlo Park, California headquarters. No other details were provided.
Finally, the CEO stated his positive outlook about AI and VR. New tech can be used to benefit humanity instead of for malicious purposes.
Zuckerberg explained that AI could evaluate graphic online content such as nude photos. AI filter tools could eventually replace Facebook's community-standards department, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The social network's CEO also addressed virtual reality. Last year Facebook bought Oculus VR, the producer of a VR headset, for around $2 billion in cash and shares. It is also developing a VR video app.