The "Like" Button

[Ron Resnick]

The availability of, and the use of, a "Like" indication is ubiquitous across social media platforms. What does it really mean?

In some ways it is fun, and in other ways I think it is problematic. I think that when each of us sees that someone else has "liked" a post, we project onto the meaning of that "like" indication whatever is our idiosyncratic thought about the substance of the post. I think this sometimes misinterprets the reason the post was "liked."

There have been numerous times when people privately asked me: "How in the world could you 'like' that post?"

Was the post "liked" because the member liked every single thing written in the post?

Was the post "liked" because the member liked one of several things written in the post?

Was the post "liked" because the member thought the post was well-written or well-reasoned even though the member substantively disagreed with everything in the post?

I think each of us should be circumspect about interpreting someone else's "like" of a post and assuming the reason someone "likes" a post.

I, personally, use the "like" button for a wide variety of reasons. If another member "liked" over a period of time the same posts I "liked," I would be utterly unable to understand or to reconcile the reasons such other member liked those particular posts.

Sometimes I "like" a post because I agree with everything in the post.

Sometimes I "like" a post because there is one small thing in the post that I agree with, even though I disagree with everything else in the post.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with simply because I want to applaud an introverted member for having the courage to write any post at all.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with simply because I want to recognize a new member for writing his/her first post.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with substantively solely because the post, on its own terms, is well-written or well-reasoned.

Sometimes I "like" a post solely for the reason that I want to help draw attention to the topic.

How do you use the "Like" button?

What meaning do you intend to convey when you "like" a post?

 

[Steve Williams]

There are 6 different like buttons each of which convey a different emotion

 

[Mike Lavigne]

it's just a reference to degrees of positive relevance in some form or fashion between the post, poster, and reader. for as many reasons as stars in the sky.

 

[gadawg58]

The availability of, and the use of, a "Like" indication is ubiquitous across social media platforms. What does it really mean?

In some ways it is fun, and in other ways I think it is problematic. I think that when each of us sees that someone else has "liked" a post, we project onto the meaning of that "like" indication whatever is our idiosyncratic thought about the substance of the post. I think this sometimes misinterprets the reason the post was "liked."

There have been numerous times when people privately asked me: "How in the world could you 'like' that post?"

Was the post "liked" because the member liked every single thing written in the post?

Was the post "liked" because the member liked one of several things written in the post?

Was the post "liked" because the member thought the post was well-written or well-reasoned even though the member substantively disagreed with everything in the post?

I think each of us should be circumspect about interpreting someone else's "like" of a post and assuming the reason someone "likes" a post.

I, personally, use the "like" button for a wide variety of reasons. If another member "liked" over a period of time the same posts I "liked," I would be utterly unable to understand or to reconcile the reasons such other member liked those particular posts.

Sometimes I "like" a post because I agree with everything in the post.

Sometimes I "like" a post because there is one small thing in the post that I agree with, even though I disagree with everything else in the post.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with simply because I want to applaud an introverted member for having the courage to write any post at all.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with simply because I want to recognize a new member for writing his/her first post.

Sometimes I "like" a post I totally disagree with substantively solely because the post, on its own terms, is well-written or well-reasoned.

Sometimes I "like" a post solely for the reason that I want to help draw attention to the topic.

How do you use the "Like" button?

What meaning do you intend to convey when you "like" a post?

I'm not sure I've ever thought about why I press the like button in this or any other forum before ... maybe for me its an emotional response in some way especially in the photographic forums I visit ...

So ... Thanks man! Now every time I ever think about pressing the Like button again anywhere ... I'm going to get stuck going through your post in my head trying to determine what meaning I'm trying to convey ... I may never like again as I'm not sure I have that many brain cells left!

George

 

[rando]

How do you use the "Like" button?

What meaning do you intend to convey when you "like" a post?

I underuse.
That stated, relieving ably denominated [unquoted] tensions outweighs any ulterior motivation between those who understand each other perfectly.

Essentially you are assessing digital worth. The worth of attaining one or more emoji beyond that assessed or perceived through written responses directly attributable. There is none. Any worth exists solely within the receiving party no matter how broadly liking of content proliferated or is wiped away by removal of this system.

The assignable worth appears to be administrative in character. Per the demonstrative samples provided. Much as your agreeable statement on a BH neighborhood virtual meeting point lacking coherence and togetherness fostered a personal wish to administer better relations. In this regard I suggest the best course will present itself for those who seek it out.

 

[PeterA]

I think the “like” button is about issuing points, trophies, and ranking members as much as it is about enabling a member to quickly and simply acknowledge agreement with the post. It gives the appearance of activity in the “latest activity” tab. It is a technique to promote use and activity and increase eyeballs and clicks. It helps with the numbers which helps with getting the advertisers. It contributes to the monetization of this website.

It is an interesting social indicator. Members of the various factions support each other by using the “like”button. When people share a particular point of view and support each other’s postings, they are viewed as a cult or tribe. These groups argue against each other and that creates drama and more interest and more eyeballs and more clicks.

It’s a very strange thing, and personally I increasingly dislike the practice which seems so ubiquitous these days. I would be surprised if the owners ever reconsider. It seems to function as intended.

 

[Gregadd]

I regard it as bit of a space saver.
Instead of hitting the reply button I can just hit like.
It usually means I agree or have no rebuttal.

 

[Tuckers]

I do enjoy/get a charge when an industry leader responds to my posts with the like button

 

[bryans]

I've always thought you should add a thumbs down emoji

 

[slowGEEZR]

If I enjoy a post, for whatever reason, then I may hit the "like" emoji. It's a way of saying thank you for posting that, there was something in that post that I enjoyed, or agreed with. It is simpler than responding via a reply. I'm lazy that way.

 

[andromedaaudio]

I think the “like” button is about issuing points, trophies, and ranking members as much as it is about enabling a member to quickly and simply acknowledge agreement with the post. It gives the appearance of activity in the “latest activity” tab. It is a technique to promote use and activity and increase eyeballs and clicks. It helps with the numbers which helps with getting the advertisers. It contributes to the monetization of this website.

It is an interesting social indicator. Members of the various factions support each other by using the “like”button. When people share a particular point of view and support each other’s postings, they are viewed as a cult or tribe. These groups argue against each other and that creates drama and more interest and more eyeballs and more clicks.

It’s a very strange thing, and personally I increasingly dislike the practice which seems so ubiquitous these days. I would be surprised if the owners ever reconsider. It seems to function as intended.

Yeah i agree .
i think i prefer how it was before actually , without all those likes / dislikes etc

 

[Scott Naylor]

I've always thought you should add a thumbs down emoji

Add an eye roll emoji too while you're at it

 

[andromedaaudio]

What about this one , for the video threads

 

[Bobvin]

Ron, Peter… do you intellectualize everything? My goodness!

A lot of my likes are simply because something in the post made me smile or chuckle to myself. lots of other reasons too.

 

[Skanda]

Ron, this reminds me of an "article" (a very strong word to use here) I read recently about how zoomers feel the thumbs up emoji is passive agressive and borderline rude. Its a funny interpretation and now the connotation with which I use it lol

 

[PeterA]

Ron, Peter… do you intellectualize everything? My goodness!

An lot of my likes are simply because something in the post made me smile or chuckle to myself. lots of other reasons too.

I don't know Bob. Sometimes it seems that way here. Very little intellectualizing when I am relaxed listening to records at home. There it is all emotionalizing.

 

[Al M.]

Ron, this reminds me of an "article" (a very strong word to use here) I read recently about how zoomers feel the thumbs up emoji is passive agressive and borderline rude. Its a funny interpretation and now the connotation with which I use it lol

Great, another round of ridiculous zoomer bashing. Grumpy old people.

 

[andromedaaudio]

I don't know Bob. Sometimes it seems that way here. Very littling intellectualizing when I am relaxed listening to records at home. Then it is all emotionalizing.

May be i ll also join the Lamm camp somewhere this year .
A Lamm 1.2 ref (but i will be keeping the tubes as well )

 

[Skanda]

Great, another round of ridiculous zoomer bashing. Grumpy old people.

lol i'm well under 35 - i get a pass on bashing zoomers

 

[PeterA]

May be i ll also join the Lamm camp somewhere this year .
A Lamm 1.2 ref (but i will be keeping the tubes as well )

That’s a big LIKE from me Andro. The Lamm M1.1s brought my Magicos to life. Great amps if you need power. They only give up a bit to the SETs.