Facebook is testing a new format of the social network without likes. Since September 27, Australian users of the platform do not see the number of likes under publications.

The changes assume that the number of likes is available only to the authors of posts. The rest of the users can only see what reactions the entries have collected — like a traditional “thumbs up” or a laughing smiley face.

The publication clarifies that the social network hides likes to make people feel comfortable on the platform. The purpose of the changes is to encourage users to focus on the quality of content and stop comparing themselves with others.

Facebook will collect audience comments about the innovations. If users generally approve of the publication without showing the number of likes, the social network will test the new format in other countries, but it is not specified in which.

Instagram also began hiding the number of user reactions to posts in July. To begin with, likes under posts will not be displayed in the profiles of users in 7 countries, including Australia, Italy, Brazil and Japan.