Finger ‘Liking’ Good

Why Do People Actually Like Your Posts on Facebook?

The red notification symbol is not just a sign of a new like; it has the power to evoke the strongest emotions… happiness, hope, a smile, satisfaction, respect, anxiety, and much more.

Likes are the new social currency. Do your friends like your post? Do your colleagues admire your thoughts? Acquaintances find it cool? Hot girls follow you?

From a ‘humble like’ to a ‘clever like’, there are so many shades of likes today.

I like you, baby, not your post

A new girl has come into your life, and you are in that courtship phase in the relationship. You’ll notice that she goes on a liking spree for all your posts. It’s her way of saying… I love you.

I like the fact that your post has 199 likes

Now this clever friend doesn’t really follow your post, but follows the number of likes you already have. This bunch doesn’t want to lose out on any moment and seeks to be part of your stardom of likes. Once they see the world is liking your post, they ought to jump on the bandwagon.

I liked your post, now maybe I should read it too

She is a newbie on Facebook who likes everything from everybody. She’s in awe of every post she sees. Reminds me of my mom a few years ago.

You liked my post, now I should like yours too

This one is an interesting liker. He’s been your friend for a decade, posting nothing interesting for a while — but suddenly, when you liked his updated picture, he becomes active. Now you suddenly see him liking your posts too. A reciprocal liker?

When I feel happy, I like

Suddenly your distant auntie’s sister’s daughter (basically your cousin) who was envious of you all this while now starts firing a barrage of likes on your posts. Whoa, what happened to you, girl?

Basically, she is finally in a happy place in life… maybe a new job, a new boyfriend, or just got laid? So now suddenly kindness kindles in her, and she begins to shower your post with her generous likes — and maybe some comments too.

You’re not my favorite, but can I ask for a favor with my like, please?

It so happened that your distant cousin’s mom found out that you’re doing well overseas. Now she can’t make a cold call and ask a favor for her son, suddenly — right? So she starts liking your posts periodically. After all, who doesn’t like to be liked?

The first one to like

Whether socially or professionally, some friends want to be on top of things. He/she will never miss a chance to like something first — especially if the post is an interesting one. After all, everybody feels good about being the first one to acknowledge something they felt was worth it.

So what do we take away from this?

The next time you get a like (or no like) on your post, don’t get duped into believing that your post was too good or not good enough. Not to say social media is all cold and no real emotions play out there — but the number of likes sometimes is not the true barometer of the emotions behind your post.

Something for Facebook to ponder upon, and marketers to think about?