Exploring the Impact of Facebook's Reaction- Button on Interpersonal Communication: A Study on Immediacy and Social Acceleration

In recent years, the evolution of social media, particularly Facebook, has introduced tools that significantly accelerate social interactions. This study investigates the usage of Facebook’s reactionbutton and its impact on interpersonal communication, focusing on immediacy, media richness, and the societal drive for speed. This paper argues that, while the reaction-button enhances the speed and ease of communication, it may reduce the depth and clarity of interactions, potentially leading to miscommunication. This study employed a qualitative method involving in-depth interviews with 16 Facebook users. The participants provided insights into their experiences using the reaction-button and its effects on their social relationships. Results showed the widespread preference for the reaction-button over the traditional 'like' feature. Participants regard reactions as a timeefficient tool that enhances online engagement, though the immediacy of reactions sometimes undermines deeper communication. This suggests that, despite promoting faster communication, the reaction-button may undermine meaningful engagement. These findings have significant implications for understanding the evolving nature of digital interactions and highlight the need for social media platforms to balance speed with clarity.