The Evolution of Language
Over time, words evolve from their original meanings. Pronunciations change. Definitions either change or they're added to. Every generation adds new words and English is very much a contextual language.
One such word is "like". Before social media, like meant "similar to" - (this is like that) or an affirmation of approval (I like you. Do you like pizza?)
Social media has added a definition. It now also means, "I have seen or acknowledge what you posted" It doesn't necessarily mean you approve of something you liked.
"I saw your post about all those abandoned puppies at that puppy mill, and I just couldn't bring myself to like it". You're not liking it to show approval or affirmation. You're simply acknowledging that you've seen the post.
In this site, like also has a point value. So even if you are offended by someone's comment or otherwise negatively affected by something they posted online, click like to give yourself a point. You're not rewarding bad behavior, condoning or approving of what was said. You're just clicking "like" to acknowledge you've seen this.
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9 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.My attention is also drawn to someone's misuse of like
It was like they do it on purpose
When it should be
It was as if they do it on purpose.
However, I don't actually let it bother me, my blood pressure stays closer to 100, and I enjoy life overall so much more.
EllenDale
Level 7
Jan 22, 2018
0
If a better button/word comes along to better identify when someone has seen but not necessarily approved of a posting and the word like is ansdonwd in that context, it was considered slang. Many ways to evolving language.
EllenDale
Level 7
Jan 22, 2018
0
@ScienceBiker I have taken a recent liking to the British naming of items -- name it what it is (i.e., lift = elevator). Why not a button that just states "read" in the past tense?
Alrighty..... That's some heavy stuff there. Thanks.
BucketlistBob
Level 8
Jan 22, 2018
0
Honestly, I think most people know what the "Like" button is for.
I don't want to see people "liking" my comments or others simply to get points. I actually look at the "Likes" on any given post to get a feel for who I may agree with on a subject and who I disagree with. If somebody "Likes" a "Trump is the best president known to man," I'll know that we are polar opposites of each other.
I'd rather people not do ANYTHING "just to get points."
BlueWave
Level 8
Jan 22, 2018
1
Y'all are hilarious! I don't "like" a post unless I LIKE it. I'm not all that concerned about accruing points. Besides, it's clear that I express myself enough to get points all by my own self. I really do appreciate the level of intelligence and humor I find here. Beats a sharp stick in the eye, any day.
@ScienceBiker CalvinBall!!! The score is STILL Q to 12!!!!!!!
@ScienceBiker As you should be. I'm ashamed for you as well. SMFH
Yeah, I don't know anyone that uses like buttons as acknowledgment. They hit like when they agree with, or otherwise enjoy the content of the post.
d_day
Level 7
Jan 22, 2018
2
Since you're from Morgan Hill, send me some poppy Jasper!
I think the like button means that you like the content, or failing that, you like that it was brought to light. I don't like that Frank kicked a puppy, I like that people are exposing Frank for kicking the puppy. Essentially I like the post either way.
Language changes over time, but it is important that it doesn't change too fast or drastically. Imagine if the word stop suddenly meant yield, I'm sure you can see the problem with that.
jayneonacobb
Level 7
Jan 22, 2018
1
I'm not sure I get your meaning. Which analogy doesn't make sense to you, the puppy kicking, or the stop/yield one? Maybe I can clarify for you what I meant.
I'm going to assume you mean the stop/yield analogy, but I'll explain both.
If stop suddenly means yield then rape no longer exists as a concept. The reason is telling some one to slow down before continuing (to yield) is an affirmation of consent. This is a major problem. I tackled this first because it should be obvious.
Kicking a puppy isn't good, I think we agree on that point. I don't have to like that Frank kicked a puppy to like that someone posted that Frank kicked the puppy. I like the fact that it was posted, regardless of the intent of the post. Although I would hope that they posted it to blow up Frank's spot, so to speak.
The fact that you get points for "liking" something on a single platform doesn't change the meaning of like. It just means that by taking that action you are, at the very least, participated in some way within the community.
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