Facebook Adds New Reaction To Show Support During Coronavirus Crisis

The button will accompany the standard six 'like' 'love' 'laughing' 'shocked' 'sad' and 'angry' buttons, and will be available on posts, comments images and videos across the platform.

It depicts a smiley face emoji hugging a heart, and animates to give a gentle squeeze when clicked.

The hope is that this will offer people the chance to reach out and give virtual support while we can't do so in person.

The function started rolling out on profiles last week, and will soon be available for everybody to use.

It will soon be a function for everyone when they're using the app, as well as on the Facebook website.

The new reaction isn't the only addition, as the Messenger app is also set to add a pulsating Purple Heart, which started appearing as of Friday.

To get hold of the new heart on chat, simply press and hold down the standard heart reaction and (when your messenger has updated) the new option will appear.

You can change it back to the OG heart by pressing and holding on the reaction again.

It's not unusual for Facebook to add new reactions during big life events. They also added a rainbow during Pride and a purple flower for Mother's Day in the past.

Taking to Twitter last week, EMEA technology communications manager at Facebook, Alexandru Voica, said the company hoped to "give people additional ways to show their support" during the crisis.

He said: "While this Reaction is temporary for now, there is a chance we will make it permanent as we know showing care on Facebook isn't just tied to one moment."

Brb, we've got *so* many virtual hugs to dish out.