MarcusMay 12, 2023

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

Show threadEllenInEdmonton May 12, 2023
@mrxmrt I’m big on liking and sparing with boosts, which can easily clutter up timelines. I hide boosts from most of the folks I follow because I prefer to engage with original content. Please don’t be shy about replying to posts either! Connections are what make this place great.
Show threadMarcusMay 12, 2023

@EllenInEdmonton I think that attitude about boosts makes sense (and is how I think most people feel), though I try to remember that the design of Mastodon relies on boosts in order for posts to circulate, so the site kind of necessitates more boosting than most people really like to do or see.

FWIW, shyness or not, replying takes a *lot* of energy for me, even when I'm having fun doing it. If I start to question myself for not replying enough, it makes me less likely to interact in general

Show threadEllenInEdmonton 
@mrxmrt Well, thanks for taking the energy to reply. I try not to invest myself too much in the outcome of my replies. Some boosting is essential but there are some folks who only boost. It’s a bit like posting memes on Facebook with less curation.
May 12, 2023 at 4:48pmWeb