The Like button is a crucial part of the internet, serving as digital catnip and a symbol of social interaction. The book “Like: The Button That Changed The World” explores its origins, tracing back to Roman times and the early 2000s when tech innovators like Bob Goodson sketched the idea for user feedback on Yelp.

Although Yelp didn’t adopt Goodson’s thumbs-up gesture, it inspired further exploration. Facebook eventually introduced the Like button on February 9, 2009, after resistance from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who worried it might clutter the platform.

The button’s concept evolved through various influences, including gestures from films like “Gladiator” and TV shows like “Happy Days.” Ultimately, the Like button became a universally recognized symbol of approval in our digital landscape.