A new “plane” reaction appeared on Facebook yesterday. But the company says it was an error, and it’s not here to stay.
Have you noticed something different on your Facebook posts? A new reaction was suddenly available. Only some Android users could use it, but everyone on Facebook could see it. And this was strange, not for one, but two reasons: first, a plane? Seriously? What could that possibly even mean as a reaction? And also, Facebook has repeatedly made it clear that it would no longer be adding any new reactions.
This little plane fueled a lot of speculation on and off Facebook yesterday. What was it about? What did it mean? Was it a new feature Facebook was either testing out or getting ready to launch? Why did only a few select users get it?
https://twitter.com/Sarafromschool/status/1024382628974219264
The answer is in fact simple. As with many other things, it was a mistake. A glitch that should have never happened, the result of a hackathon gone wrong, as confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson: “This was created as part of an employee hackathon and wasn’t cleared for takeoff. Our apologies.”
For some users, a “plane” reaction was available on Facebook.
No matter how or where it came from, the little plane did its job. It got people talking; it got people smiling. And that was not a bad thing on the day Facebook announced that “some people” had been trying to use the platform to influence Mid-term elections in the US.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
Meta Updates Its Company Values
In the aftermath of its major rebranding, Meta is announcing a new company mission formed by a group of values.
Messenger Provides New Guide On Online Safety
Messenger has published a handy decision tree graphic that guides users and parents to find the safety features they need.
Facebook’s ‘News Feed’ Is Now Just ‘Feed’
After 15 years, Facebook is changing the name of its home page in an effort to move away from the …
