I removed ALL Facebook integration from our software a few years ago. In doing so, I also (unknowingly) removed the "Like" button for individual forum posts. The Like button has always been active for me and our mods, but we don't see the exact same screen as everyone else. Please let me know if you're seeing the Like button at the bottom right corner of each post. Thanks!
I love like buttons for posts, it can cut down on the chatter a little and still let someone know that others appreciate what they shared. Just be careful and don't implement a "love" button, that could get messy!
Yeah, a Like button makes sense, I guess. (Give moral support to somebody you strongly agree with) Could also a Hate, or No Like button, but it would wear out around here.
I thought I was so computer illiterate that I could never find the "like" button. Thank goodness, it was not there. I like it. Thanks for putting it back.
I think it's worth keeping as, like @AnotherKen says, it can keep a thread streamlined. If someone makes a salient point a Like is much tidier than a half dozen posts from other members saying "yeah, that's what I think too". As long as Likes aren't counted as a rank, as long as they don't become a game of one-upmanship, it's all good in my opinion.
I don't think a "like" carries nearly the weight of an additional post with a similar opinion when answering a question and offering an opinion. Now, doesn't bother me, as I don't think people will limit themselves to the "like," but think they'll make the half dozen posts anyway. I hope that the "like" isn't intended as a way to reduce posts. I'd hate to see one post with 3 "likes" followed by 4 lengthy posts with differing opinions. Suddenly looks like most of the members disagree with the initial post.
For the community to enhance engagement this addition/return of the "like" button is, on balance, a good thing. Human's like to be acknowledged. If one receives a like on a post it is that acknowledgment. That may promote more frequent reading and posting by some. Sure, not all want or need to be liked, some are so self aware and confident they just don't need it. Good on 'em. The only downside is that someone may get more likes than someone else and they will be jelly (that's what the kids use for the word jealous). Don't be jelly. Just post and like posts that you like.
It's worth pointing out... a "like" on forums is different from other forms of social media. A like on forums is an indication of agreement; a consensus among members. A like on Facebook becomes information about your interests and habits that is being used to build a profile on you.
Yeah, social media Likes feed the algorithm... giving Likes teaches FB more about you and what you want to see, and getting Likes means your content gets pushed to more viewers, etc. Obviously not the case on a forum.
