What Strauss should recognize is that what is occurring with services like Facebook and Twitter is an aim to mirror our relationships in the real-world. These social networks, in many ways, are emulations of physical interactions. Considering this, the fact that we seek approval and recognition online is not only understandable, but a sign of the services’ progress in reaching their goals. Facebook and Twitter are actually succeeding in virtualizing our relationships. The same way a person aims to earn laughter with a joke in a bar, he aims to do so with Likes on Facebook. Indeed, Strauss’ article is more a generalization about society than an article looking into the inner workings of online networks.

Importantly, it must be noted that Facebook does not include the ability to “dislike” something. While there are surely many opinions about this, its inclusion would, algorithmically at least, provide some balance to what is considered newsworthy and not just popularly liked – pun intended. In regards to Facebook and Twitter continuing to grow in its mission of virtualizing the real-world, I hope this appropriate balance comes to be. However, let’s not too quickly judge services that are innovating at growth rates!

Great article Matt. I love your coverage. Keep it up the amazing work.

Best regards,

Victor