Saturday, September 22, 2012

Beyond the Thumb and the Bubble

Facebook's "like" thumb shows up everywhere these days, it seems. It allows acknowledging a post or idea or organization, and joining in appreciation with one quick click.

Sometimes, though, it doesn't quite fit. "Heading into surgery after poking my eye out, hoping to see again." So... is it okay to "like" a status like that?

There is, of course, the option to comment, which is both less ambiguous and more personal than the thumb. It's a step in the right direction.

The like and the comment are useful features for responding to posts, which puts the "social" in the "social network." But beyond the thumb and the speech bubble, I wish there were an ear. Sometimes, when words do not suffice, it is good to know the quiet presence of a listening friend.

For this, Facebook will never be enough.

No comments: