Repository source: docs/plans/backlog/love_button_reaction_step1_solution_assessment.md
Love Button Reaction Step 1 Solution Assessment
Problem Statement
Users want to consider adding a Love reaction alongside existing reaction controls. Source: thread-20260826033900-30516185, submitted 2026-08-26T03:39:00Z.
Option A: Add Love as a new visible reaction
Pros:
Directly supports the requested expression.
Simple mental model for users.
Can share existing reaction UI patterns.
Cons:
Needs scoring and moderation semantics.
May overlap with Like.
Option B: Rename or restyle Like instead of adding Love
Pros:
Avoids adding another reaction type.
Keeps scoring simple.
May better match the intended emotional tone.
Cons:
Changes existing user expectations.
Does not support distinct Like and Love meanings.
Option C: Defer until a broader reaction taxonomy exists
Pros:
Avoids one-off reaction growth.
Lets the product define all reaction meanings together.
Cons:
Does not address the immediate request.
May overcomplicate a small addition.
Recommendation
Recommend Option C unless Love has distinct moderation or ranking behavior.
Brief justification:
Reaction names affect scoring and interpretation, so the decision should be made with the broader reaction model rather than as a cosmetic button.