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Facebook is said to be thinking about launching a dislike button, as an alternative way for members to show they care, without appearing insensitive

When a pet dies, or a Facebook user posts about bad news, clicking the Like button to express sympathy doesn't feel quite right.

So, with this in mind, the social network is said to be thinking of alternative ways for its members to show they care, without appearing tactless or insensitive.

Mark Zuckerberg admitted he is working on a dislike button - but it is unlikely to be called dislike.

Speaking at the firm's offices in California, Mr Zuckerberg said: 'We need to figure out the right way to do it so [the button] ends up being a force for good, not a force for bad.'

He continued that people could use a button designed to express negative sentiment in the 'wrong way', that could be deemed cruel or mean.

However, when such a button will be introduced is not known, and the site has been talking about the feature since 2010.

In the meantime, people can send a Dislike sticker in Facebook Messenger posts.

It is available as part of the Likes sticker package, which also includes a heart, a peace sign, a protest fist, a hand holding a bunch of flowers and a glass of Champagne, among others.

According to recent research, the most annoying Facebook posts that would warrant the use of a dislike button are those that brag about dieting and exercising.

Speaking at the firm's offices in California, Mr Zuckerberg said: 'We need to figure out the right way to do it so [the button] ends up being a force for good, not a force for bad.' He continued that people could use a button designed to express negative sentiment in the 'wrong way', that could be deemed cruel or mean

In the meantime, people can send a Dislike sticker in Facebook Messenger posts. It is available as part of the Likes sticker package (pictured), which also includes a heart, a peace sign, a protest fist, a hand holding a bunch of flowers and a glass of Champagne, among others

This was followed by people who share every meal, and cryptic statuses designed to seek attention by being deliberately vague.

Facebook scams have previously exploited user's demand for a dislike button to install malware and infect accounts.

In particular, the Enable Dislike Button scam claims to offer the opposite to a like button and began appearing on many Facebook users' walls back in 2011.

If and when Facebook launches a dislike button, or similar, it will be included as part of the site and not available through a download or link.