The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics 505. The Like Button: A Small Click with a Massive Impact w/ Bob Goodson
Jun 12, 2025
Bob Goodson, co-author of 'Like: The Button That Changed the World' and the first employee at Yelp, dives into the fascinating journey of the 'like' button. He shares its origins, revealing how this small feature reshaped online interactions and consumer behavior. Bob examines the psychological impacts of social media, the evolution of language intertwined with technology, and the shift from customer experience to customer context. He also discusses the dual effects of the like button on society, from positive engagement to potential addiction.
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Make Asymmetric Bets and Learn
- Make asymmetric bets in career and life with low cost but high upside potential.
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you to accelerate personal growth.
Language's Hidden Power
- Studying medieval literature fueled Bob's lifelong fascination with language's power and evolution.
- Language shapes human thinking deeply, influencing culture and communication.
Origin Story of the Like Button
- Bob Goodson shared how the like button originated at Yelp as a simpler way to send compliments.
- Early versions included multiple reaction options: useful, funny, and cool to enhance user interaction.
