Should all forums have a Like feature?

Being able to "like" someone's comment would be a convenient way to agree with or support their post, especially since there are forums out there that forbid two-word posts like "I agree". A like system doesn't really come with any downsides for discussion forums, so should all forums have them?

No. If all you can do is thumbs up/down a thread then you don't belong in that conversation for the same reason someone who simply says "I agree" does not: you're adding nothing of value.

What if someone wants to agree with someone, but can't think of anything to add to the discussion?

Then they can nod to themselves.

No one gives a poo if you agree or disagree. We don't care. No one does. No one is going read a thread an be like "yup, he sure does agree."

All we care about is if you have something to say about why you agree or disagree. That's called dialog, the purpose of forums. If you don't have that, then save a calorie or two and just move on.

I miss the days when you could downvote comments for GS's articles.

Creates mob mentality.

On Truckersreport.com they have a "Thank" feature, where you thank a user for their contribution. I enjoy that feature because it lets me thank someone for contributing that post without responding directly to it. It also helps people realize how many people have read their post as well.

Yes. Like feature is awesome.

I agree with 'Like' button to show that I agree with his idea without supporting my decision thru explaining, it also feels good to have your post being like by the public. But I disagree with 'dislike button' because first of all it doesn't feel good to get a dislike especially when you don't know whats wrong with your idea. Also instead of disliking we might just explain why his idea is wrong creating a discussion for others to read or support. And lastly, many people dislike a post because they saw that it already has dislikes (Bandwagon effect) without even reading the actual post.

Some people just like to be agreed with. It might not add anything, but prohibiting a person from simply responding to someone with "I agree" is unnecessary. A like feature would make that a non-issue.

Could just set it so that you only see likes of your own posts and the likes you've given.

Nope. No need for fluff. Post what you have to post and that's it. If it's interesting enough, others will reply.

No.

No, I think it's fine the way it is.

I feel like it kills discussion because people just like what the users they agree with say.

Yeah i think so

I think that it’s mostly normal for people to want a like feature since so many are used to it from Facebook and YouTube.

Nah that's childish.

I dislike this idea.

I do not agree with

*shakes head*

Nope. That would just ruin the forum.

There's no harm in someone just posting "agree", even if it adds nothing to the discussion. At least it's better than having a pointless "like" system.