An emotional you will make Facebook richer

Here is the truth behind the latest reaction buttons

Why do we feel like sharing everything related to our life on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter? It is perhaps because we feel an emotional connect.

Getting users to feel strong emotions and empathise with one another online is the trade secret that all social networks share.

Read: Facebook says no to 'dislike' button but tests 'sad' and 'angry' buttons

The ultimate goal is, obviously, to keep you coming back for more meaningful human contact.

Facebook's latest reactions -- an extension of the 'Like' button which expands the range of emotions you can express -- is the new carrot that the social network is dangling.

PHOTO: TELEGRAPH

The six new reaction buttons will serve a dual purpose. They will allow you to express yourself more freely on Facebook, and at the same time it will also enable Facebook and its advertisers to figure out how their campaigns, products and profiles really make you feel and, therefore, target you better.

Read: 9 Facebook buttons that need to exist

Your emotions can be used as proxies for your brand loyalty.

"We see this as an opportunity for businesses and publishers to better understand how people are responding to their content on Facebook," Facebook's chief product officer Chris Cox wrote in a blog post.

Read: Facebook is finally making a ‘dislike’ button

In other words, the more emotionally you react, the more moolah for the social networking site.