Something You Should Know How the LIKE Button Changed the World & Weird Things Your Body Does
27 snips
May 5, 2025 
Cutter Wood, author of 'Earthly Materials', shares insights on the astonishing functions of our bodies, like the surprising importance of tears and mucus. Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, dives into the history and profound cultural impact of the 'like' button, exploring its psychological effects on self-esteem and engagement in social media. They discuss everything from the allure of a long-lasting Twinkie to how these daily interactions shape our lives, making for a fascinating blend of food facts and digital sociology.
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Serendipitous Rise of Like Button
- The like button was not originally created to generate social media revenue but to solve technical and social interaction problems.
- Its evolution into an economic powerhouse was serendipitous and enabled the rise of targeted digital advertising.
Dopamine Drives Like Addiction
- Pressing the like button triggers dopamine release in the brain's reward center, akin to actual social liking.
- This biological basis explains the powerful addictive nature of the like button.
Social Behavior Behind Likes
- Humans prefer to like and associate with people similar to themselves (homophily).
- People also follow social hierarchies by liking popular individuals to feel included and learn from them.
