It's Tuesday, and I have a lot of catching up to do in Social Media World. As a social media addict I get anxiety when I'm not constantly connected to what's going on in my Newsfeed- don't even ask what kind of emotional turmoil happens when I lose my iPhone. This weekend I decided to put the phone down and interact with the non-digital world, as a sort of "retreat". My adventures to a secret beach, a concert, and some random city exploration would have been perfect times for me to whip out the phone and start documenting my experience socially, but I refrained, (and happily I might add).
Sitting here at my desk, glad to have skipped over Monday (absorbing all the glory that is the start of the week) and the thought of scrolling through three whole days of updates and pictures, Tweets, Re-pins, and check-ins, I was starting to get overwhelmed. So I decided to cheat, and began "Liking" EVERYTHING. I felt like I had lived several weekends in one after going back in time and interacting with all my friends and followers. I felt accomplished to say the least.
After my rampage, I had a bit of an epiphany. "Liking" something is the easiest way to interact. It's non-committal. You can easily "un-like" something and you don't have to worry about saying anything intelligent, or meaningful. Since the act of "Liking" something is so easy, and so accessible, does it mean being a "serial liker" is to be a lazy social media user?
So, how does a "Like" translate in social media world? We all know it's a good thing, a sign of accordance, that we share a similar feeling or understand what the person posting is trying to say. Are people that are "Liking" things, rather than commenting or posting, Lazy social media users? Are these Lazy Likers the people we want to market to? Do they play a vital role in promoting a brand digitally at all?
I'd like to think they do. A "Like" is the most positive and simplistic social media interaction. Comments will divide a group. A "Like" will also allow us to touch base quickly, to give feedback in a fast, efficient, clear way. As a marketing tool, to have a "Like" means you are speaking to the demographic correctly. A comment to elaborate a like is always appreciated, but can we blame the folks who don't have time to write a thoughtful response?
A "Like" lumps us all into the same category. It allows us to be part of the crowd, to feel part of something. That's what we are doing on social media networks to begin with--to interact, to connect to people, and feel a part of something larger than all of us. So is it lazy? Depends on who you ask. Is a "Like" an effective way to interact in social media? Yes. Will I continue to litter the feeds of my friends and followers' walls and boards with little Thumbs-ups, stars, and hearts? Sure will. Like this post if you agree.
'Cause we are living in a digital world and I'm a social media girl. XB