Facebook adds Reactions and Mentions to Messenger app on Android and iOS

The latest additions to Messenger are two features that should have been there a long time ago: Mentions and Reactions. Facebook announced today that both new features will begin rolling out today and should be available globally in the coming days.

But let's take a look at how “Mentions” work, the new feature that's supposed to immediately notify someone he or she has been mentioned in a conversation. In fact, it's quite easy and if you've been using Twitter before you'll feel right at home.

To mention someone, simply type the “@” symbol or start typing the name or nickname of the person you wish to notify and choose them from the list that shows up immediately. You can check whether or not you correctly “mentioned” someone since when the message is sent, it will appear with highlighted text for others in the group to see.

Furthermore, whenever a person is mentioned, they will receive a new type of notification that is meant to let them know they were called out specifically. It will allow mentioned persons to reply faster to questions, as they will be able to jump right back into the conversations.

Keep in mind that everyone participating in the conversation will be able to see the mentioned person, and while all will be getting a notification like before, only the specified person in the group will be notified that they have been mentioned.