I think Mastodon people should use the "like" button more.
People are told not to like because liking doesn't broadcast posts like boosting does, and the site needs boosts. And replies are preferred because they're deeper engagement or something.
But, on some level, we want people to keep using Mastodon. If someone posts something and followers like it, they know stuff is getting seen here and they'll want to keep using the site. I just don't see what's gained by holding back on the likes
There's tons of posts you enjoy seeing for a second but don't want to boost (for all sorts of reasons), and sometimes trying to build up the energy to interact is way more work than it feels worth just try to tell someone you liked their post (even if you love interacting, you're only going to reply to a small fraction of posts you enjoyed seeing).
Those would be great times to hit that "like" button! How is it better if everyone is encouraged to just scroll past posts like that?
@mrxmrt I absolutely use both, with minor complication if I'm replying to something. Do I boost the root of the thread? My reply?
Likes are separate. I might like but not boost, or boost and not like. Or both. Boosting without liking: I agree the message needs to be seen, but might not agree with it. Like without boost: I agree with it, but those that follow me are possibly not in a relevant domain.
Both: aw hells yes. 🧈🥬💃
Marcus
Rev. GothAlice
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