I guess it is just a way to say 'hi' or show that whenever you sign up in facebook, you care for the one you poke. It also means that you never miss spending time on his/her profile, everytime you sign in your facebook account.
I think i uses to get attention from your Friend, Some times we may forget some friends even he is in our Friend List. But when they poke us we may get them and continue chatting and Wish them.
on the social networking site Facebook, Attract the attention of another member by using the "poke" facility
Generally, "Poke" is used for saying hi to someone, though many use it for flirting. In essence, it means anything you want it to mean.
Interesting question buddy! Imagine you are sitting idle or working on something, some one comes pokes you in your real life: what does that mean? 1. Either its someone who knows you and wants to say hey! am here .. wassup.. 2. Or its just another social networking poke: the naughty one The take home here is FB is being successful in replicating your real lifes online and thats wonderful! Cheers Josh
according to wikipedia: Poke most commonly refers to the action of tapping and/or softly jabbing an object or person using a finger, stick, or similar object etc. I wonder which part is being poked on and by what in facebook. LOL
Facebook Poke is a lazy way to say hello to any one. By lazy way mean no need to type even "Hi" to your friends and knowns just click on the button poke and send a hello or hi without typing.
Hi, From what I have seen from my own FB usage, and from what I have read, a "poke" was originally meant as a way to say "hello" or "hey, I am here" on FB. It seems to have different meanings to different people in practical usage though. Some seem to mean it as a hello, others as a way to flirt. I have also gotten pokes from people who wanted to be my friend in order to see if I was interested or not before they sent the friend request. I personally only use a "poke" with people who I know and know what they mean when they send one in order to avoid any misunderstandings. LOL.