When you send a friend request to someone on Facebook, you have the option to cancel the request before it is accepted. However, instead of saying “Cancel Request”, the button will now say “Message”. Here are a few reasons why Facebook changed this:
It Encourages Communication
Facebook wants to promote more communication and engagement between users. By changing the button text to “Message”, it encourages you to start a conversation with the person rather than outright canceling the friend request. Messaging someone is seen as a more positive action.
It’s More Accurate
“Cancel Request” was a bit misleading because you aren’t actually canceling anything – the request just has not been accepted yet. “Message” more accurately conveys that you are sending them a message instead of canceling an established connection.
To Reduce Canceled Requests
Facebook wants people to connect on the platform, not disconnect. By changing the button text, they reduce the number of people who might impulsively cancel a request before the recipient has time to accept it. Messaging first gives the recipient a chance to engage.
Message vs Cancel Request
When you click on the “Message” button for a pending friend request, it allows you to send them a message explaining why you sent the friend request in the first place. This gives context to your connection attempt and is more personal than just canceling the request outright.
It Redirects to Messenger
The “Message” button redirects users to Messenger where they can start a conversation thread with the recipient. Facebook wants to drive more usage of Messenger for communication between users.
To Be More Inline with Instagram
On Instagram, if you request to follow someone you have the option to “Undo” the request if they haven’t accepted yet. Instagram does not use the word “cancel”. Facebook likely wanted the UI to be more consistent across their apps by using “Message” instead.
Users Were Confused
Some users were confused by what “Cancel Request” actually meant – thinking they were canceling an established friendship. The “Message” text makes it clearer that you are messaging someone you requested to be friends with.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook changed the button text from “Cancel Request” to “Message” in order to encourage more communication between users, reduce canceled requests, drive Messenger usage, match Instagram’s UI, and eliminate confusion about what the button does. The “Message” text more accurately conveys the action being taken.
| Button Text | Function |
|---|---|
| Cancel Request | Messaged the pending friend request recipient instead of canceling the request |
| Message | Messaged the pending friend request recipient instead of canceling the request |
Other Facebook Friend Request Changes
In addition to the button text change, Facebook has made some other changes related to friend requests over the years:
Limit of Friend Requests You Can Send
In 2020, Facebook started limiting the number of friend requests you can send in a single day to prevent spamming. The limit is not publicly disclosed.
Email Notification of Received Requests
Facebook used to notify you via email whenever you received a new friend request. They removed this email notification in 2021 to reduce clutter.
Confirm a Friend Request
When you receive a friend request, you now have the additional option to “Confirm” the request. This asks the sender to confirm they intended to send it before you fully accept.
Group Invite Change
Facebook used to allow users to friend request multiple people at once by inviting them to a group. Now there is a separate Group Invite option.
Friend Request Declining
Previously users could decline a friend request and the sender would be notified. Now requests simply expire after 14 days if not accepted.
Why Connecting on Facebook Matters
While Facebook has evolved the friend request process in many ways, the importance of making connections remains. Here are some reasons why connecting with people on Facebook matters:
Stay in Touch with Friends
Facebook allows you to maintain friendships from all parts of your life – childhood, high school, college, work, etc. You can stay up-to-date on major life events.
Meet New People
You can connect with new people over shared interests, communities, locations, alumni networks and more. Facebook connects you to people you might never encounter otherwise.
Feel More Connected
Staying connected with friends and family fosters meaningful relationships and combats feelings of isolation. Humans have an inherent need for community.
Share Life Moments
Connecting with close ties on Facebook allows you to easily share photos, milestones, hobbies, and daily moments from your life.
Ask for Help
The Facebook community can be a great source of support, advice, recommendations and assistance from people who care about you.
Tips for Facebook Friend Requests
Here are some tips for successfully connecting with people on Facebook:
- Personalize request messages using context for how you know the person
- Send requests to those you have an established offline connection with
- Limit friend requests to about 10-15 per week
- Don’t take declined or ignored requests personally
- Use Facebook groups to connect over shared interests
- Occasionally review your friends list and remove inactive connections
- Pay attention to any friend recommendations shown
Conclusion
While the button may now say “Message” instead of “Cancel Request”, the overall friend requesting experience on Facebook still allows you to expand your network and nurture meaningful relationships. Focus on quality connections over quantity and interact genuinely.