How the Facebook Reactions Feature Changed Emotions in Congress Members’ Posts

What is it about?

This study examines how the Facebook Reaction feature (love, angry, sad, haha, and wow) influenced the emotional content of posts made by members of the 114th U.S. Congress. After these response options were added, politicians’ posts contained more negative emotions like anger and disgust. The research suggests politicians adjusted their messages in response to how users engaged with their posts, highlighting how the design of social media features can shape political conversations online.

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Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Political communication on social media plays a significant role in democracy, but increased negativity can make it harder to have thoughtful discussions. This research shows that social media design doesn’t just affect everyday users; it influences how politicians express themselves, impacting political debate and public opinion. Understanding this can help us think more carefully about the features platforms offer.