Thumbs up

Social networking sites such as Facebook has revolutionized the idea of 'liking' something: an idea or an activity or an update. Though these 'likes' are virtual, there is so much emphasis given to this. Many users have been addicted to see the number of 'likes' that they receive. There is a sense of pride attached to it.

FB 'likes' are now the thing in WhatsApp messages through a 'thumbs up'. Once again users feel elated when they receive thumbs up!

Are these 'likes' and 'thumbs up' confined to the walls of Facebook and WhatsApp messages only? Or are they transcended to the real world too? Having caught in this thought, I observed people around (esp. those who are engrossed with the idea of 'likes'). I have not seen anyone 'liking' something by raising their thumb up. There are alternate means such as verbal appreciation, pat on the back or 'good job' mail to show your appreciation. Hardly anyone (of course except for Roger Federer) raises the thumb to show quick gesture of appreciation or 'liking'. 

I laid this thought aside for a while until today morning when I received a thumbs up from a two-wheeler whom I let some space to maneuver around amidst a messed-up traffic. She drove past me and was quick enough to raise her hand for a thumbs up and moved on. It just took her small gesture to make me feel good: not about my great deed of letting her some space to move but about my research on whether such quick gestures transcend to the real world and if it does would it have any positive impact.

From the little incident I believe a quick 'thumbs up' may mean something to those who receive it and will have a positive ripple effect (such as writing this article).

So, the next time don't try to construct any appreciatory sentences. Just a quick thumbs up will be a good start!