Facebook may be planning to hide number of likes. Previously, Facebook-owned photo and video sharing social network Instagram started hiding likes count for users in select countries such as Australia, Brazil, Cana, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand. w, Facebook has reportedly confirmed that it is considering a test wher it should start hiding likes count. App researcher Jane Munchon Wong spotted code that makes Facebook stop showing number of likes on public posts. Wong spotted code inside Facebook's Android app. As per screenshots shared by Wong, number of likes on a post will remain hidden for everyone but original poster.

Facebook to hide likes count?

After Wong's discovery, a Facebook spokesperson told TechCrunch that y haven't started running test yet. However, Facebook said that y are considering a test that would determine its decision wher to hide number of likes on posts or t. For w, Facebook seems to be prototyping its decision to protect likes count only in its Android app. As of this publication, we are seeking more information about wher Facebook would consider running a similar test on its iOS app or t. What's more, Facebook did t disclose results from prior likes count hiding test on Instagram. More details are awaited in terms of Facebook's motive or timeline behind likes count hiding tests.

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Wong's discovery

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Meanwhile, Wong said that she reverse-engineered app to figure out that Facebook has only recently started testing this change in its Android app. However, this applies to both number of likes as well as reactions. Similar to Instagram, Facebook's unreleased feature would keep like/reaction count hidden from everyone except creator of post. However, list that shows liked or reacted to list would remain visible, unlike exact number of likes count. However, this won't hide number of comments on a post.

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"By hiding like/reaction counts from anyone or than post creator, users might feel less anxious about perceived popularity of ir content. Studies have shown that social media use may influence mental health, including leing to depression and anxiety," said Wong in her blog post.