Has likes/thanks features made people lazy to reply?

One thing that I've noticed if I can't base a reply to a post, I just like it, or thank the user - on forums that have it. And I was wondering, do you think these features have an effect on your site's activity in terms of posting and all that - or do you feel that it keeps the activity flowing?

Personally for me, I think it has its pros and cons really. But, what do you think?

 

I've had no signs of people using the like button instead of replying to the topic, and they generally seem to be used about equally... So no, hasn't made anyone too lazy to reply.

 

I'm guilty of this. If I don't have anything to add to the discussion but like or think the post is funny I'll just hit Thanks or Like.

 

Well if you liked a post but had no likes or thanks feature then you would be forced to post. Then again, having the feature might discourages posts that don't really need to be made because of the feature. I would say it would reduce the amount of posts because of all the thanks and like posts are no longer made.

I personally don't use the feature much as I don't really see a point to doing so.

 

Likes/Thanks do not discourage posting (unless you like rubbish posts). What it does do is increase the quality of the content. There are less of "+1" or "I agree" . Meaningless replies that you have to read through. I believe that members now post more consciously, articulating a well thought out response in hopes of praise from their peers by being liked or thanked. Go ahead, like this post, I know you want to.

 

I like the "like" feature on here. If I agree with the post, think it's funny, or just plain old enjoy it, but don't have much else to say, I'll hit the "like" button. I like it because you can acknowledge the post without having to make a two-word reply. Simply acknowleding the post adds to a discussion in a way. I don't particularly notice a lack of posts, and the ones that are made are meaningful.