Generation LIKE!

I was watching a documentary on a phenomenon called generation LIKE referring to 'likes' obtained from social media sites and its effect on teens including other age groups. It was done by Frontline and was very informative including interviews, statistics and expert opinions. The main focus of Frontline was to portray the advertainment techniques that we as consumers or "you tubers" are being drawn into doing by knowingly or unknowingly selling out on your initial message.

When I watched the video, it emphasized on the 'fact' that obtaining likes or shares or good comments are a way in which the teens become empowered. I liked to question this as I feel that this creates unnecessary ego and actually reduces self esteem of everyone who has less likes than others which is the majority. I also don't believe that likes or comments are a constant source of empowerment and it can be said that having sparks or being in the Top 100 fans of a billion dollar enterprise is not at all empowering in any way but rather it is an addiction like smoking to get empowered!

Ok, I accept that getting likes will prove that everyone likes you and that you are famous or popular. But the word 'empowerment' in this context, is just an excuse for an addiction.