This post was supposed to be short and sweet, but it is now sweet and not so short. I’m going to describe a phenomenon I’ve termed the Facebook “like” effect. The “like” effect doesn’t only occur through Facebook; Facebook simply provides the best example of this “like” effect in action.
What is the Facebook “like” effect? I’m sure you’ve already noticed it. The “like” effect is the power of multiples or the exponential curve of media popularity. What the hell am I talking about? Say you post a witty Facebook update – in the back of your mind you secretly hope your “share” gets at least five likes. “Yeah, this is totally an 8-liker” you might think to yourself. Perhaps you don’t think like this – maybe I just live a sad life…but anyway, after clicking the blue “post” button, you anxiously await the public’s response to your oh-so-clever “share”. But, to your surprise, you only receive three likes in one half hour. “What the hell is going on?” you think, “Where are my Facebook BFFLs tonight?” Why the alarm? This incredibly witty status only garnered three likes! And, the number three is far below the threshold for the Facebook “like” effect.
Now you’re really confused. I’ll explain in layman’s terms. Even if you think someone’s Facebook status is funny, you’re not going to “like” it if it’s only received three likes. Unless this person is one of your Facebook BFFLs (someone who “likes” everything you share on Facebook, and you “like” everything he/she shares in return). Let’s be honest, if an old acquaintance shares something marginally funny, and she receives three likes, the odds of me “liking” this “share” are low. That is creepy. I haven’t had an actual conversation with this person in over two years, and now I’m “liking” a video she shared of a dog on a treadmill? If my like is the fourth and final like, how awkward would that be? Facebook BFFL #1, Facebook BFFL #2, Facebook BFFL #3, and random girl I talked to once at a party (she must be a weirdo).
The story changes, however, once the number of likes surpasses the threshold for the Facebook “like” effect to occur. My personal threshold is eight likes. I’m not sure why the magic number is eight. Perhaps, it’s because I was born in August of 1988, so the number eight is subconsciously appealing to me…but now I’m digressing. Anyway, once a random funny status from a random Facebook acquaintance reaches eight likes, I’m more inclined to give that status a “like”. Suddenly, my like is less important or significant, because it’s not like number one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight. My like is just another like in the crowd. As much as everyone fantasizes about fame, most of us like (no pun intended) our privacy. Being one of many likes means we keep our anonymity.
Why am I devoting an entire post to this? Because the Facebook “like” effect also applies for blogs! Having many blog followers attracts even more blog followers. Personally, I think 100 followers is a good threshold for blogs. Annnnnnnd, it just so happens that this blog has 95 followers, which means this entire post is a rallying cry to readers. If you frequently read my blog and haven’t followed me yet, please follow me now! Words cannot describe how happy I’ll be once I reach 100 followers. I even updated my “About Me” section to include a photo.
So after I click the “Publish to Anomalous Narratives” button, I will lay in the fetal position on my bed. I bought a pack of Trident Layers gum and consumed the whole thing in less than three hours (can’t help myself – it’s so fruity and delicious). I swallowed too much air while chewing, and I now have serious cramps. (To understand what I’m talking about, read post titled “Gum Guilt”). Hopefully, I’ll be at 100 followers by the time my stomach forgives me.
Ciao.
Anomalous Narratives 