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Reaction emoji order should be static to preserve communication intent #2876

@kfiven

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@kfiven

Discussed in #2874

Originally posted by TheAtomicOption April 4, 2026
Emoji reactions to messages in rooms should have a static order based on their datetime of the first use (reset only when all instances of concurrence are removed before a new one is added). This allows using multiple emojis in a specific order to communicate a reaction where a single emoji to communicate the intent isn't available.

For example it's common for letter reactions to spell words (when using emojis like 🅾️ as letter o) , or for a string of several reactions to invoke something by their order (e.g. 🌎 🚀 🌑 for flying a rocket to the moon). The reordering of emojis by concurrence count will scramble this intent. Static order is both useful and the dominant expectation of users coming from other platforms like Slack or Discord.

Currently reacting to a room's message with multiple emojis, using emojis that have already been used to react, will reorder the reaction emojis to put the reaction with the most concurring reaction events first. This lets others (often unintentionally) scramble the intent of the first reacting person, and prevents them from using their own reaction to only amplify parts of the original idea if they want.

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