A Facebook “poke” is a feature that allows users to send a simple notification to another user. This action lacks a defined purpose, acting more as a lighthearted way to get someone’s attention or initiate a brief interaction. For example, a user might “poke” a friend to subtly remind them of their existence or to playfully tease them.
The feature’s importance stems from its ambiguity; it can be interpreted in various ways depending on the relationship between the users involved. Historically, it served as a low-pressure method for expressing interest or acknowledgment before more direct forms of communication became prevalent on the platform. While its usage has declined with the rise of richer communication tools, the function remains a vestige of Facebook’s early days.
