To LIKE or not to LIKE?

What is the value of your “like” on social media? When are you willing to give it away and when are you holding back? Is it the content you validate and agree with or is it actually the person sharing the post? Or maybe it’s a combination of both.

Do you dare click that “thumbs up” button if a content reflects your thoughts and aspirations, even if you are the only one sending a reaction?

Do you find it easier to react when you are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and often find yourself thinking longer when you are on LinkedIn?

The way I see it, a reaction button here on LinkedIn has a higher value because of several reasons:

PERSONAL BRANDING

Our reactions and comments reflect who we are and what we stand for. In an ocean of professionals, influencers, and experts, the last thing we want is to create a negative impression.

NON-VERBAL ALLIANCE

We have a big tendency to like the post of a person we have a good working relationship with. It’s like our way of showing our (virtual) support.

POPULARITY AND INFLUENCE

We have the urge to like a popular person’s post because it’s trending or because it’s gaining more than 100 likes. There's this "magnet" of wanting to join the ride.

ESSENCE

When the message reflects the ideas, visions and values we stand for, no matter who the person is, we have the inclination to like the post. It's a liberating feeling to know that someone thinks the same way as we do.

We all have our own reasons, and they should be respected. What I just want to say is this:

In today’s digitally dominated every day, the reaction button plays a significant part.

If a message can inspire the world around us, let us be brave enough to react on it. Our “like” can help the algorithm in pushing excellent content towards a bigger audience.

And without us knowing it, we might just be uplifting someone else’s spirit.

The power is in our hands … or to be more specific - thumbs. Let us use it wisely and frequently. The good thing is, it's free. :)