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> I have not seen any website disclose to explain what exactly these button-clicks do to help anyone? Wild guess, you entered the world of online interactions
by groby_b 10y ago
> I have not seen any website disclose to explain what exactly these button-clicks do to help anyone?
Wild guess, you entered the world of online interactions after mailing lists. These buttons address the need of people to be "contributing". Before "+1"/"like", we had "me too". People want to feel like they're supporting views they like, and that button gives them that way, leaving space for more meaningful contributions in the actual text.
It's the same thing as a nod in a 1:1 conversation. "I'm paying attention, I'm here, I agree, continue".
That's where they help, allowing a flow of communication that suits people. Looking at the cumulative number of those... "Narcissism" comes to mind.
- webwanderings 10y agoI've been communicating online since the days when Yahoo bought the eGroup/Onelist. The "me too" is fine, but ultimately, what does all these clicks entail in a long run? Have they helped reduce the clutter and/or enhance the value of the conversation? What about the value of the commentator and his/her aggregate contribution? Do the number value provide any insight? Say that I may be an expert on Topic A, and I have gathered a whole lot of numbers (karma, or whatever else) due to my expertise on Topic A. What does that say to the reader, on my lack of expertise on Topic B, C, D? The "me too" does not actually add anything to the value and diversity of opinion (other than it adds to the group-think).