In February of 2009, Facebook launched the “Like” feature for it’s users and people have been “liking away” every since. Some people and businesses even “Like” their own status updates. We recently posed this question to our Facebook fans and got mixed results and looked at what others had to say on the topic.
Those that were thought it was ok to “Like” your own Facebook status updates said:
- It helps bring your posts higher in your friends’ feed
- The “average” Facebook user probably doesn’t notice one way or the other
- It shows additional enthusiasm about your post and is ok as long as you don’t do it all the time
- Yes if others “Like” it as well, otherwise it looks weird
- It shows you are proud of your work,
If you agree, there’s even a Facebook page you can like called “Liking Your Own Post”.
Those that thought it wasn’t ok to “Like” your own Facebook status updates said:
- It’s like “high-fiving” yourself
- By posting something, you are already showing you “Like” it,
- It’s tacky and appears desperate
On his blog, Noisy, Noisy Man! Ade Magnaye, expresses very clearly his distaste of people “Liking” their own posts with Moratorium: Liking Your Own Facebook Status.
The field of social media is still evolving and so are the new social norms. Emily Post didn’t write a book on the proper way to “Like” on Facebook (although she is on Facebook) and it’s not addressed in the Facebook terms of service. So, that leaves it open for interpretation.
For me it goes back to, “What are you trying to achieve with social media?” For some individuals, it’s just a fun way to reconnect. If you are a business especially, however, there should be a strategy and an understanding about how your online activities may be perceived by current and potential customers. After this review of the topic, for my business, I will use “liking” my own updates sparingly, if at all.
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