Why we 'like'

Editor's Notes

1. We like to think we’re all individualsThe music we listen to, the clothes we wear, even how we speak – they’re all reflections of who we areImage credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philips_newscenter/9563320206/sizes/h/in/photostream/
2. But we all wear masksThere are things we like, and then there are things that we want to be seen to like
3. We have two senses of self, a private and public ‘me’Image credit: http://www.tomhussey.com/
4. We want to belong to a social group Eg type of music we listen to, the clothes we wear
5. And even those who have a strong sense of self, that sense of self comes from our surroundingsImage credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordkhan/181561342/
6. But we also want to be significant within that group
7. Liking and sharing things online is a way to both these things – to show that you like the same things as other people, and to add value to that group by bringing new things for them to like as well.Image credit: 20th Century
8. By liking and sharing are you making a statement – I LIKE THIS and I think you will too. You are bringing something of worth to the group, and we can break that down into four basic things that groups can benefit from.
9. Entertainment
10. Utility
11. Monetary
12. Information
13. Liking and sharing make us look good
14. Ultimately, we ‘like’ because we want to be liked