Facebook brings Message Reactions and Mentions to Messenger

Facebook Messenger has two new features in tow, starting today. The messaging service now brings Message Reactions and Mentions to the mobile app, allowing you to react to one’s message, and specifically mention the fellow member with ‘@‘ symbol in the chat group, respectively.

Message Reactions is similar to Reactions in Facebook. Tap and hold on any message for emojis — love, smile, wow, sad, angry, yes and no —to appear, and make your selection. Yes, the ‘no’ emoji resembles what you’d like to call a dislike button. When someone reacts to your message (text, stickers, videos, GIFs and even other emoji), you’ll see a small animation greeting you when you’re staring at the conversation — or, a notification when not. Reactions from others will be visible in the lower corner of the message.

Coming to the latter part, Messenger Mentions lets you call out someone in the conversation by notifying them directly, provided that they’re in the group. To mention someone in your message, type the “@“ symbol against the name of the person you want to notify and select them from the list. Send the message, and voila! The person will be notified specifically for the mention, with a highlighted text, along with general message notification. You can turn off these mentions notifications as per your wish at any time.

Message Reactions work in one-on-one conversations as well as group conversations, while Messenger Mentions performs in the latter only. Both features will also be available for Work Chat in Workplace, and will begin rolling out today.

/ Facebook