Likes given and likes received

[Monica]

I don't think it's divisive, I just use it to express appreciation.

I noticed it being used in a divisive way towards a few individuals, some time back. I probably noticed it more than others, since I was a moderator. Probably the only ones who noticed were those who had it directed at them, and me since I was moderating and paying more attention to community interactions.

And I feel appreciated if someone likes my post. And if no one likes my post than I have some catalyst to reinforce self-esteem within myself.

Well that's true. Everything is ultimately catalyst. Yet, we do still have forum guidelines and strive to have a somewhat harmonious, respectful environment. We don't want to knowingly provide ways to be divisive.

I can see it being divisive in the vegetarian/meat thread, but that topic was divisive and the like button was not the cause of the contention.

It wasn't just in that thread. I've seen this happen in many, many threads. It had nothing to do with the topic and everything to do with the cliques liking/disliking certain individuals.