Which brings me to the modern concept of "like" in the way it is connected to Facebook. I hear "like us on Facebook" or "like me on Facebook" again and again. Why is it that so many people crave the vicarious thrill of seeing that little thumbs up icon on their screen? What does it actually mean to "be liked" on Facebook?
Truthfully, I have "liked" some things I have seen from family and friends. If a particularly poignant post is up there, I'll hit that thumbs up with no problem; however, when the local deli has a sign in its window that says "Like us on Facebook," I'm starting to wonder about the whole thing. To actually "like" this store I have to go out of my way to do it online. Why in the world, even if they have a great chicken salad sandwich, would I do that?
How far will this need to "like" or be liked go? Will we start getting bumper stickers and ask other drivers to "like" our driving? Perhaps we should be expected to "like" our dentists, doctors, our children's teachers, and our neighbor's dogs. I am not sure how far we can take this concept, but when I see a panhandler on Fifth Avenue near Bryant Park who has a sign that reads "Like Me on Facebook" poised above his tin cup, I have to believe this thing is out of control.
Article comments
1 - Dr Dreadful
Funny and pertinent piece, Victor. I saw something on the BBC this morning questioning the marketing value for businesses who urge Facebook users to "like" their profile. Often it's a case of enticing people with coupons, special offers, contests and the like so that they can keep bombarding them with advertising, but a lot of people just use fake profiles and give false personal information.
2 - troll
...while I liked this article that has to be like the most uncomplimentary likeness of Sally Fields that I've ever seen