21 years later, Meta still has... Note
Engadget

21 years later, Meta still hasn't given up on the Facebook 'poke'

Meta, shifting focus to AI and the metaverse, is surprisingly reviving an old feature: the poke. This seemingly useless function from early Facebook days is being made more accessible on user profiles within the app. All poking activity can now be tracked at a dedicated web address. The feature may even incorporate a streak-like system with emojis based on interaction frequency. Originally, poking was a simple way to interact when other features were scarce, often interpreted as flirty or creepy. While never truly gone, its prominence faded over time. Meta has been actively attempting to reintroduce poking, noting a significant surge in its usage last year. The company is now aiming to further boost its popularity, potentially targeting younger Facebook users. This effort aligns with Mark Zuckerberg's stated goal of reintroducing original Facebook features. Meta also continues its long-term strategy to attract young adults. The poke might be viewed as a lighthearted feature to engage a generation accustomed to persistent social media interactions.
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