The "like" option

[PointlessExistence]

This is probably a symptom of my condition, but I've started obsessing about when to give "likes", when it comes to points of view.

For instance, when you ask a question and someone gives an opinion you don't agree with, do most of you "like" it because the person answered it period, or would you save your "like" for an opinion that you agree with?

 

[EveHarrington]

I say use it as you please!

I like lots of posts for various reasons.

 

[PointlessExistence]

There ^ I just did :)

But my mind takes it to another level. For instance, if someone gives a well-thought reply that I oppose and I like it to show respect, it sort of lowers the importance of the like I gave to a well-thought reply with which I agree :confused:

 

[The Albatross]

Perhaps then should that happen, it would be an inducement to post your agreement?

 

[PointlessExistence]

^ True, and I do if I can add to it in some way. But I really can't chime in just to say "I agree". It may be seen as clogging or disruptive to the thread. I don't see it done much.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

When I first joined this site I got freaked out about likes and because of that, i projected that not liking others replies on my threads and ended up hurting people's feelings.

Today I use it if I genunally agree with a post and I also use it as a way of acknowlegement of posts. But I would advise others that many may be freaked out by the like option and to not take likes or no likes personally.

 

[Deleted member 541]

I use the like when something someone has said resonates with me. When I make a thread I will like most responses. There are some people/responses I just stay away from and wouldn't give them a like at all. Mostly I forget to like, but will go back later and give one if I can remember!!!!!

 

[Ronin]

^ There, if it resonates, or if it's a new way of looking at something, or if I'm appreciating the input, or if I want the person to know they're heard, regardless of agree/disagree entirely.

Tend to use like as real life nods & care, basically.

 

[LuckiLee]

I use the like option for a few different reasons.

I agree with their comment.
I acknowledge their feelings.
I learned something from them.
I appreciate them sharing their struggles.
I want them to know they aren't alone and someone heard them.
And sometimes I like their comment because it's exactly what I would say or suggest.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I try to use to acknowledge that I read their post and I like pretty much quite a bit. Sometimes I do not agree at all and do not hit the like button. But that happens rarely. I will say if I really like a post a lot, I like it a million times.. I will say I have a hard time liking what I read. I am still learning as I go. Interesting topic.

 

[Fadeaway]

Sometime s I like, just so they now I have taken the time to read it. If I know someone is down, I will like in hope it makes the feel better. Othertimes it is about really liking what was said. I will even like a statement I disagree with if it was written in a way I could respect.

 

[Multitudes]

The 'Like' function has always been a source of anxiety for me, but I prefer to have it than not.

On another support forum much like this one, I initially used it to acknowledge a good post. But I soon thought that there were some participants who would appreciate the encouragement of seeing their post 'Liked' anyway, as I know I did.

Pretty soon I got into the routine of liking every post I read.. until I was criticised by another member for being creepy, so I was forced to then pause every time and worry about whether I should or shouldn't 'Like' a post and why.

That forum had a section for suggestions for improvements to the site, so I floated the idea of having a selection bar of responses, 'Like', 'Agree', 'Love', 'Winner', 'Informative', displayed as emoticons, which alleviated the consideration of when using 'Like' was appropriate.. a few more were added over time as members got used to the idea, and it has remained popular.