The Bunker – News without the nonsense Under my thumb – How the LIKE button hacked our brains
Apr 15, 2025
Joining the conversation is Bob Goodson, a Silicon Valley veteran and co-author of 'Like: The Button That Changed The World'. He explores the surprising origins and evolution of the Like button, detailing how it's transformed our social interactions into a dopamine-driven addiction. Goodson discusses the ethical implications of social media, the rapid pace of technological innovation, and the future of mind-monitoring tech. With his rich insights, he paints a picture of how this simple button shapes our behaviors and society today.
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Yelp's Early Like Button
- Bob Goodson personally designed an early like button at Yelp to enable quick user compliments.
- The like evolved through many contributors rather than a sole inventor, reflecting collective innovation.
Why Humans Like Liking
- Liking triggers dopamine release and social approval mechanisms wired in humans.
- The like button's success reflects and exploits fundamental social and neurological behaviors.
Thumbs-Up Historical Roots
- The thumbs-up gesture likely gained popularity post-WWII, and its Roman arena origins are probably myths.
- The amphitheater architecture enabled large-scale visual voting akin to today's digital 'likes'.
