What's the point of liking something on Facebook?

[dan]

I'm new to Facebook. Do they actually LIKE the picture or status?

[CBM]

People sometime "like" a thought, a picture, or something someone says. Just don't do like some of the idiots on facebook and "like" all of your on post or pictures. That is like patting yourself on the back and saying how good you are. You will see plenty of people who will do this.

[Fred]

People put too much significance on FB likes. If they don't get enough likes, they start to feel bad about themselves. Just because there are no "Likes" doesn't mean that no one likes what you post; it just means that the people who saw it commented instead of "Liking", or those who saw it just don't hit the "Like" button for every little thing.

When you get a lot of "Likes", it also doesn't mean that everyone actually likes what you post; some people "Like" things just to let the person who posted know that they have seen it (I know some people who "Like" a post from games so others know that the "gift" is either already taken or so other players can see if there are any left).

So, if you're new to Facebook, just remember not to place too much on "Likes". They mean nothing. Real life means much more. Also, please don't post about every little thing that you do and don't post a lot of pictures. Too many bad things can happen.

Liking something is also a way for Facebook to make money (see article below).