The “poke” function on Facebook has always existed in a technical sense, but the platform is working to rejuvenate its appeal. In an effort to tap into Y2K nostalgia, Facebook has revealed amendments to the poke button, as noted by TechCrunch. The poke was a fundamental aspect during the early days of Facebook, although its significance was frequently ambiguous, acting as a medium for flirting, passive aggression, a cheerful greeting, or a combination of these.

Currently, the poke button is experiencing a revival. Facebook has made attempts to bring back the poke in various iterations previously, but this time it is doing so with greater commitment. The poke button is now visibly featured on a user’s profile page, permitting straightforward poking directly from there. It is present on the mobile app, though not available on the desktop version. Additionally, there is a specific page to monitor pokes at facebook.com/pokes, where users can observe who has poked them and discover friends to poke. Facebook also provides an informative FAQ for those not acquainted with the poke function.

The poke hub similarly tracks pokes shared among friends, akin to the “streaks” functionality on TikTok and Snapchat, which gamifies interactions by incentivizing users to sustain daily streaks. Snapchat has faced backlash regarding streaks and other functionalities that regulators argue were crafted to render the platform addictive, sparking concerns regarding youths and their mental well-being.

Facebook used to hold a significant cultural presence among younger audiences, yet with the rise of other social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, it has become less popular with younger demographics. Recently, Facebook has been perceived as dominated by political discourse from older generations, earning it the label “Boomerbook.” Furthermore, the proliferation of AI-generated content has emerged as a further deterrent for users.

Last year, Facebook leaders began devising strategies to connect with younger users. Nevertheless, at that moment, the specific plan to stay relevant was uncertain, according to former Mashable reporter Elizabeth de Luna. Interestingly, younger users have exhibited interest in the poke function. Facebook registered a 13x surge in pokes last year, leveraging the Y2K nostalgia trend, as fashion items from that period, such as low-rise jeans and graphic tees, are making a revival.