Facebook allows users to post exactly how they're feeling, whether it be "feeling happy," "feeling alone," or, well, now apparently "feeling fat."
But not everyone is a fan of the "fat" emoji as 12,000 Facebook users want to have the "feeling fat" emoji banned. The users believe it makes fun of those who might be overweight or have an eating disorder.
"I think it was supposed to be funny, but seeing this status made me feel angry," said Catherine Weingarten from Endangered Bodies, which is aimed at celebrating all body shapes and sizes. "Fat is not a feeling. Fat is a natural part of our bodies, no matter their weight. And all bodies deserve to be respected and cared for."
According to Weingarten, when a user sets their status to "feeling fat," they are making fun of people who think of themselves as overweight, especially those with eating disorders.
Facebook allows users to choose from over 100 different feelings and emotions, including hungry, cold, and stuffed. "Stuffed" actually has the same icon as "fat."
The petition was launched during the National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which was at the end of February.
Despite the petition, Facebook doesn't seem to have any plans to remove the option, however representatives from Facebook have been communicating with activists about their concerns.
"People use Facebook to share their feelings with friends and support each other," said a Facebook spokesperson. "One option we give people to express themselves is to add a feeling to their posts. You can choose from over 100 feelings we offer based on people's input or create your own."
Facebook's "feeling" feature was first launched in 2013 and it allows users to communicate with their friends on a new level through their statuses. For example, selecting "feeling anxious" could elicit support and or support from friends.
Weingarten says she has seen a lot of support from all over the Internet, however the movement to get the "feeling fat" status removed has received negative backlash as well. Some suggest Weingarten and supporters of removing the status are over dramatizing the issue, noting many people "feel fat" after a large meal.
"That's not really the issue," continued Weingarten. "I feel like they're not really thinking of the experience of people who do really struggle with eating disorders."
Facebook has received backlash from activists in the past. While the social media giant previously did not offer options for all different gender identifications, it now offers a much more comprehensive list, as well as an "other" option, which allows users who don't identify with any of the options to type in a gender identity.
