Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) is launching a slate of “like” buttons that are inspired by Star Trek.
In honor of the franchise’s 50 years, the social media site has gone out on a limb and released a line of buttons — including “wow,” “thumbs up,” and “love” — with a Trekkie alteration. The new buttons include Spock’s Vulcan salute, Kirk (Haha), Spock (Wow,) Geordi (Sad) and Klingon (Angry).
Mark Zuckerberg and co. decided to make the move to attract more sci-fi fans to the network. The initial idea was to add a custom frame to profile pictures that add some Star Trek flavor to yourself, but instead decided to go with “like” buttons, according to Lindsey Shepard, Facebook Messenger’s marketing lead.
The exec added that the company is looking to make its community come with a tinge of nostalgia for fans of the TV and movie franchise. Longtime Trekkie Frank Catalano — who writes science fan fiction — is thrilled about the idea, which he believes is a fitting homage to Star Trek.
However, Facebook is being quite selective with the people it offers the new buttons to, as he was able to see the emojis but his wife was not, despite being a minor Trek fan.
“Depending on how Facebook’s trove is used, it can be creepy or delightful. Or both simultaneously,” Catalano said.
The new buttons will be available for a limited time only for Trekkies in the U.S. and Canada.
FB stock is down 0.6% Thursday.
