Meta has decided to revive one of Facebook’s most iconic features – the famous “Poke.” This move aims to re-engage younger audiences, especially Gen Z, who have increasingly been shifting toward alternative social platforms. Although never officially removed, this feature is now returning with a refreshed design and upgraded functionality.
The modern version allows users to view who has “poked” them, discover new people to interact with, and choose whether to respond or ignore the action. Additionally, a new stat-tracking element has been introduced – a “poke count” that increases with each interaction and unlocks visual effects like flame icons or milestone numbers, reminiscent of Snapchat streaks or TikTok badges.
This update follows a surprising surge in poke-related activity over the past year, which reportedly motivated Meta to bring the feature back into focus. With gamified elements, the company clearly wants to create a sense of continuous engagement and daily interaction.
Users can now poke friends directly from their profiles, and a dedicated page (facebook.com/pokes) serves as a hub for tracking activity, finding others to poke, and managing notifications.
Social media reactions have been mixed – some nostalgic, others skeptical. One user reminisced about the good old days, another joked that their mom will love it, while others suggested this is a sign that Meta is desperately searching for the next viral hit. With the “Friends” tab already reintroduced earlier this year, it’s clear the company is attempting to recapture the spirit of the original Facebook experience.