logo
episode-header-image
Jun 12
45m 22s

505. The Like Button: A Small Click with...

MELINA PALMER
About this episode

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer sits down with Bob Goodson, co-author of the intriguing book, Like: The Button That Changed the World. Bob takes us on a captivating journey through the origins and evolution of the "like" button, a seemingly simple feature that has profoundly influenced our digital interactions and consumer behavior.

As the first employee at Yelp, Bob shares firsthand insights into the development of the like button and how it transformed the way we express approval online. He discusses the significance of the thumbs up symbol, its psychological impact, and the broader implications for technology, innovation, and customer experience. Throughout the conversation, Melina and Bob explore the intricate relationship between human behavior, language, and the design choices that shape our digital landscape.

In this episode:

  • Discover the fascinating history behind the like button and its creators.
  • Learn how small design choices can have massive impacts on human behavior.
  • Understand the difference between customer experience and customer context.
  • Explore the evolution of technology and its unintended consequences.
  • Gain insights into the role of language and metaphor in shaping our digital interactions.

Get important links, top recommended books and episodes, and a full transcript at thebrainybusiness.com/505.

Looking to explore applications of behavioral economics further? 

Learn With Us on our website.

Subscribe to Melina’s Newsletter Brainy Bites

Let’s connect:

Send Us a Message

Follow Melina on LinkedIn

The Brainy Business on Youtube

The Brainy Business on Instagram

Up next
Today
526. Bridging the Gap: How Simple Conversations Can Combat Loneliness
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer welcomes Nick Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. Together, they explore the profound impact of everyday interactions and the often-overlooked value of conn ... Show More
50m 23s
Aug 21
525. Unpacking Left Digit Bias with Choiceology
In this exciting crossover episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer teams up with Katy Milkman, host of the acclaimed Choiceology podcast from Charles Schwab. Together, they delve into the intriguing concept of left digit bias, a psychological phenomenon that influen ... Show More
37m 4s
Aug 19
524. Relativity in Action: Why Your Brain Needs Comparisons to Decide
In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer revisits the powerful concept of relativity, a cornerstone of behavioral economics that shapes how we perceive value through comparisons rather than absolutes. Originally aired in 2018, this foundational episode is ref ... Show More
34m 57s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
S3 Ep06 - Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination can feel like an endless battle, one that we keep trying to win through discipline and force. We push ourselves harder, use stricter schedules, or employ rigid systems, only to find ourselves falling back into the same patterns. It’s easy to fall into the trap of ... Show More
24m 54s
Dec 2024
The Science of Productivity
To get free fractional shares worth up to £100, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link - https://www.trading212.com/join/ALI . Terms apply.When investing, your capital is at risk and you may get back less than invested. Past performance doesn’t guarantee futur ... Show More
41m 35s
Jul 7
3659: Helpful Tips When You're Stuck on Getting Started by Zoe Kim with No Sidebar on Lifestyle Design
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3659: Zoe Kim examines why we sometimes feel stuck even when we know what we want, highlighting how overthinking and perfec ... Show More
11m 54s
Dec 2024
The Science of Motivation: Insights on Goal Setting and Willpower with Ayelet Fishbach
Feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress or the pressure to make everything perfect? Or maybe it’s the loneliness this season can bring. Either way, you’re not alone—and this year can be different. Join us for a free online webinar on Sunday, December 10, at 12 PM Eastern to learn a ... Show More
59m 25s
Jun 1
How to Stop Procrastinating
In this second episode of Solved, Drew and I go deep into the psychology, history, and science of procrastination. From Plato and Aristotle to Freud and modern research, we break down why we delay the things that matter most—and how to actually stop.This isn't a “just set a timer ... Show More
4h 41m
Apr 2025
Julie Fast on Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: Practical Strategies for Productivity
In this episode we revisit a conversation with Julie Fast, author of Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies to Help You Achieve Productivity Even with Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD. She shares her expertise on how to overcome productivity barriers caused by mental he ... Show More
58m 33s
Jan 2025
571: Why We Procrastinate (And How to Stop Procrastinating)
In 2022, a study published in Psychology Today found that 88% of people feel worse after procrastinating. Procrastination is undoubtedly one of the most common barriers to success—but what if you could break free from it starting today? In this episode, I’m launching a brand-new ... Show More
41m 24s
Feb 2025
Debra Eckerling on Setting and Achieving Goals with Clarity
I’m excited to welcome Debra Eckerling to the show to discuss her new book, 52 Secrets for Goal Setting and Goal Getting: How to Stay Focused, Grow Your Network, and Get More Done in Less Time. Debra is a goal-setting expert, author, and the creator of the DEB Method, which helps ... Show More
41m 33s
Sep 2024
How To Find Your Purpose In Life
Today we're going to be addressing one of the most important questions in the world. Which is how to find your purpose in life. Without a purpose it is very easy to lose motivation and to feel unfulfilled. So today I'm going to show you what I think the answer is. -- Access WG+ e ... Show More
6m 14s
Jun 16
Overcoming Procrastination: Boost Focus
Episode Description: Discover practical tips to conquer procrastination and boost productivity in this enlightening episode of The Dopamine Detox: Rewire Your Brain for Focus. Unlock the secrets to staying focused, improving time management skills, and overcoming the habit of del ... Show More
4m 35s