Will X's 'Likes' Become Invisible? Changing the Landscape of Social Media | Release #223
cover image by Yusei
Have you ever felt that although there are many 'likes', it doesn't truly seem 'good'?
Developers might also feel a disconnect with the algorithm driven by 'likes'. As a representative example, X (formerly Twitter) is introducing a feature to make 'like' counts private for all users. This change will make it easier to use 'likes' without worrying about others' opinions.
Want to 'Like' Freely for Good Content
X's CEO, Elon Musk, stated, 'It's important to allow people to 'like' posts without being attacked.'
With 'likes' being private, you can now use 'likes' that genuinely reflect your feelings without worrying about others' evaluations. The pressure and risk of attacks from others decrease, allowing you to use 'likes' purely for yourself.
How Does Making 'Likes' Private Affect the Algorithm?
Developers might feel a disconnect with the algorithm driven by 'likes'. 'Likes' supply information to X's algorithm, playing a role in suggesting appropriate content to users. As a result, users are expected to 'like' more freely, adding more desired content to the algorithm.
Is Removing 'Likes' a Trend in Social Media?
At cizucu, a platform where creators gather, the 'like' feature is not adopted. The reason is to cultivate an environment where creators can post photos freely without being swayed by evaluations and purely enjoy photography. Is X's recent change also a move to provide an environment where users can express themselves freely? Meta's Thread also does not display 'likes', indicating a shift in social media towards abolishing numerical evaluations.
X's move to make 'likes' private is expected to have a positive impact by allowing individuals to express themselves freely without worrying about others' opinions. We hope for a healthier and better social media environment where you can 'like' based on your own will, without being influenced by others' evaluations.
