Is Facebook ready for a dislike button?

Instagram is now larger than Twitter, but it's a smaller part of Facebook's overall mobile operations.

Like! ... Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook considered adding a "dislike" button, but decided it would be too negative. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

EVER wanted to "dislike" an annoying Facebook post? Mark Zuckerberg says he's on it.

The CEO of the world's largest social network said he's thinking about adding a button to Facebook posts, allowing people to express their displeasure.

However he said the button wouldn't say "dislike" because it's too negative and could easily be used for the wrong reasons.

"Everyone feels like they can just push the "like" button, and that's an important way to sympathise or empathise with someone," Zuckerberg said during a Q&A at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Thursday.

"We need to figure out the right way to do it so it ends up being a force for good, not a force for bad."

The way the Facebook founder described it, however, the button wouldn't be a tool with which you could bully a friend for sharing one too many baby picture or food snap.

This kind of button could make sense when a friend announces a death or posts news about a social injustice.

Facebook users had their own suggestions

Support ... Facebook user Herol Gaibin suggested this "I know that feel" giving a pat button. Picture: Facebook/Herol Gaibin Source: Supplied

Suggestion ... Facebook user Alexis Magtajas suggested this as an option. Facebook/Alexis Magtajas Source: Supplied

During his Q&A, the Facebook CEO also defended the social network's controversial real names policy, which requires that Facebook users identify themselves by their legal names.

"It's part of building a safe community," he said. "On Facebook, most people refer to themselves by their real name and that's a very important part of our culture."

Thinking outside the box ... Mark Zuckerberg said Facebook is looking for a "dislike" feature that isn't negative. Picture: EPA/Tsinghua University Source: AAP

Zuckerberg said the goal is to make the social network a "reflection of real world relationships".

The change caused uproar from drag queens who were flagged for using pseudonyms.

"This policy is wrong and misguided," said Supervisor David Campos, who was flanked by seven drag queens during a press conference at San Francisco City Hall.

Facebook eventually apologised.

Facebook's new feature will reportedly build on its facial recognition technology to make sure users approve of publishing certain photos.

Meanwhile, Zuckerberg was also asked about his New Year's resolutions.

He said he's not sure about his 2015 goals, but revealed he aimed this year to send one thank you note a day.