The Facebook application has provided a new feature to its users, which is the ability to hide the number of likes a post gets. This step aims to alleviate the social pressure resulting from digital interaction, in addition to providing a more personal user experience.
This feature is available in the account settings, where the user can activate the option to “hide the number of interactions on your posts.” When this option is activated, the number of likes will not appear to others, but you will still be able to see the names of the people who interacted with the post.
In addition, Facebook gives users another option that allows them to hide the number of interactions on other people’s posts as well. Thus, the user gets more control over how content is displayed on their home page.
This step comes as part of a broader trend adopted by social media companies, which aims to reduce the negative psychological effects that may result from digital comparisons, especially among young people, by reducing the focus on numbers and directing attention towards the quality of the content.
Ways to activate this feature:
1- From the phone (Android / iPhone):
– Open the Facebook application
– Press ☰ (menu)
– Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings
– Find the Reaction Preferences section.
– Activate the option: Hide the number of interactions on your posts
2- From the computer:
– Log in to your Facebook account
– Click on your personal photo at the top of the page
– Choose Settings & Privacy → Settings
– From the side menu, choose Interaction preferences
– Enable the option to hide the number of interactions on your posts
