What does it actually mean to “like” something on Facebook?
I understand that “liking” a status or picture on your friend’s timeline is similar to acknowledging the post, but what does it really mean?
Are we so accustomed to “liking” things that we may not have an honest opinion or attachement to the post?
I am wondering this because certain things confuse me on Facebook. No, I am not confused by the apps or a million updates it goes through every month, but the fundamental behavior of someone on Facebook baffles me.
For example, if it is someone’s birthday on Facebook, the traffic on his/her timeline has been doubled. Why? Because it’s his/her special day!
If it’s your birthday, and you have 300(or more) friends on Facebook, you’ll feel like Mr. or Mrs. Important. People you don’t even know personally, will “like,” comment and even post on your timeline.
But usually, on any average day, a specific group of friends or stalkers will acknowledge your posts.
I also believe that there are picky “likers” out there. This person may be your friend, but they’ll only “like” your post if it applies to them or happens to put them in a good mood.
Usually I post – late at night – what I am watching on television. I tend to watch a few of the same shows (i.e. Family Guy, South Park, X-Factor) and my close friends know this. If a friend of mine happens to be a fan of “Family Guy” or might have seen the episode I am referencing, they’ll “like” the status. But sometimes, the status will remain “un-liked” or have no comments at all.
For example, last night I posted a status about how much I loved the newest “Family Guy” episode. A couple people “liked” the status: some people I knew, some I am not that close to.
Later that night, I decided to watch the movie “13 Going On 30.” I blinked and literally five people “liked” my status.
What gives? What the hell does that mean?
I understand that it’s a popular movie, but “Family Guy” is a very popular show. I do agree that probably more than half of my friends’ list love “13 Going On 30” while roughly half of my friends’ list stick their noses up to “Family Guy” (too bad; they are missing out).
But doesn’t this seem selfish? Think about it. If you “like” or comment on something, is it because you’re happy that your friend is watching a specific movie, or is it because you have an opportunity to share your opinion? Is it about what your friend is doing or is it about what you think of your friend?
Let’s think about this. Personally, if you put down you’re watching a certain movie or TV show, I’ll “like” your status if I know or enjoy the show/movie. If you upload a picture of your puppy, I’ll “like” it because:
1. I think it’s cute.
2. I am a dog-person.
But doesn’t the second reason say more about ME than it does YOU?
I really think there is no need for an “About Me” on Facebook. If you want to know what someone is all about, see what they “like” on Facebook.
Another thing that bothers me is a person’s behavior off of Facebook.
Let’s say you saw a concert over the weekend. You put a status about where you were, who you were with; later that evening you uploaded pictures or video of the concert. Friends wrote on your timeline asking or talking about the concert.
Fast forward to Monday afternoon – you are at school and your friend, Jenna comes up to you. Jenna asks, “Hey man, how was your weekend?”
Are you kidding me? Did she sleep under a rock for the weekend?
Here’s the thing: you and Jenna have mutual friends on Facebook. Hypothetically, your mutual friend Amy, “liked” or commented on the picture you had taken with the lead singer. Jenna, who slept under a rock this weekend, has this cool thing called a Newsfeed. Anyone on Facebook has one!
The thing about this Newsfeed is that, it keeps you updated with what all of your friends are doing. Because Amy commented on your photo, there is a very BIG chance that the post -“Amy L. commented on Emily G’s Photo [Insert Photo & Comment Thread Below]” – popped up on Jenna’s Newsfeed.
Well, Gosh darn, why hasn’t she said anything?
People are flakes.
People forget.
People are so caught up with who is “liking” or posting on their timeline that they could careless about yours – UNLESS it applies to them.
Oh too bad, you went to a concert Jenna doesn’t like.
Under the rock she goes.
You two may have mutual friends, but doesn’t mean you’re going to “like” the same stuff.
– Dahv