A “poke” on Facebook is a feature that allows users to send a simple notification to another user. It serves as a basic interaction, often interpreted as a casual greeting or a way to subtly get someone’s attention. Receiving one results in a notification to the recipient. An example might be an individual sending a poke to a friend they haven’t interacted with recently.
The function has varied in importance over time. Initially, it was a more prominent feature, but its significance has diminished with the rise of more expressive forms of communication on the platform, such as reactions, comments, and direct messages. Some may find it useful as a quick, non-intrusive way to acknowledge someone’s presence online or to prompt a conversation. In earlier iterations of Facebook, it was sometimes used as a means of playful flirting.
