Facebook's Care Reaction: Everything You Need to Know

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: April 25, 2022

Have you ever thought about sending someone a virtual hug? The care emoji, also known as the Facebook Care reaction, is a perfect way to do just that! We’ve got all you need to know about this loveable emoji reaction, so keep reading to learn what the care emoji means and how you can use it on Facebook.

Section 1 of 4:

Care Reaction Meanings

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The Care reaction represents a virtual hug. This Facebook reaction first appeared in late April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facebook stated that they hoped the reaction would help people feel “a bit more connected” to family and friends.^{[1]
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- You may see someone use the Care reaction to respond to posts about the pandemic or feelings of isolation.
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The Care reaction shows support. Facebook launched this reaction as a way for users to express empathy, kindness, and understanding. The Care reaction goes beyond the classic heart reaction, embodying the warmth of a hug.
- People often use this reaction in solidarity or to say, “I’m here for you.”
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The Care reaction expresses compassion. If someone reacts to your Facebook post with this emoji, they’re sending all the good vibes your way. The Care reaction is a friendly, caring, and concerned response—a way to say, “I love you” and “I care about you” all at once.
- You might notice people using this reaction in response to posts about self-doubt, losing a loved one, or natural disasters.

Section 2 of 4:

When to Use the Care Reaction

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When you’re sending a virtual hug: Everyone needs a hug every now and then! If a friend posts a status update that would have you hugging them in real life, react with a Care reaction. This is a great way to show your support, love, and compassion for whatever they’re going through.^{[2]
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When you want to show compassion: Respond to a post with a Care reaction to say, “I care about you.” Perhaps a friend or family member has posted something vulnerable and you don’t know exactly what to say. Tapping that Care reaction is a loving and comforting way to send good vibes and tell them you’re here for them.
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When someone’s anxious: Send all your love and support to a friend mentally struggling. Maybe they post an update about not feeling well, losing their job, or just trying to stay afloat. You can react to their post with a Care reaction to say, “I’m here for you. You’re not alone.” The Care reaction can send a little bit of warmth their way.
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When someone’s had a bad day: It happens. We all have bad days every once and a while, and the Care reaction is a perfect way to send a virtual hug. If a friend or family member posts an update describing their no good very bad day, react with a Care reaction to say, “Sending hugs!”
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When someone’s grieving: Sometimes a comment isn’t enough to express your condolences. A Care reaction is a great way to send a virtual hug and offer a shoulder to cry on. You’re showing your support, love, and compassion all with one simple reaction.

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Care Reaction on Facebook Messenger

The Care reaction is a purple pulsating heart on Facebook’s messenger app. You may be surprised not to find the huggable smiley face on Facebook Messenger, and you’re not alone. Instead of a smiley face hugging a heart, Messenger users get an amplified version of the pre-existing heart emoji reaction.^{[3]
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- To get the Care reaction on Messenger, simply hold down the heart emoji. The app will then ask if you want to replace the heart reaction with the Care reaction.

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Other Facebook Reactions

Try out the 6 other reactions on Facebook. The Care reaction came in April 2020, but 6 other reactions were introduced in 2015. ^{[4]
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Research source} With 7 emoji reactions on every post, you can react in whatever way you’d like! Check out the meanings of Facebook’s OG reactions to see what to click to laugh out loud or cry at a friend’s recent post:
- 👍 (Like): “Yeah, this is cool.”
- ❤️ (Love): “I LOVE IT!” or “I LOVE YOU!”
- 😂 (Haha): “This is hilarious!”
- 😯 (Wow): “Wow! I can’t believe it!”
- 😢 (Sad): “This is so sad,” or “I’m crying!”
- 😡 (Angry): “My blood is boiling.”
- These examples are using Unicode standard emojis. Facebook’s emoji reactions will look a bit different.