Suggestions

Before I post the concept itself, two disclaimers. [list] [*] I am completely fine with likes on my dragons. I really, really enjoy receiving them. [*] I am aware there are probably other threads like this one still up- however, these suggestions have also been known to incur harassment before (I believe to the point of thread deletion, occasionally), so I would rather create a new thread than bring specific attention to people who might be targeted (as possible as that still is). I also have a specific idea regarding how this system should function.[/list] ----- The current likes system allows for users to hide likes, but not disable them- this means that, even when a user hides likes, it is still possible for other users to like their dragons, and view the likes on said dragons. A dragon might gain likes that a user doesn't want just beyond their sight. People take issue with likes for multiple reasons, some of which include: disliking the similarities to social media, feeling like they're being singled out, not enjoying the fact that their dragons have measurable 'popularity,' or because they want full control of their dragon without others' input. However, many users who dislike likes for their own dragons are still fine with likes on other users' dragons, and may still want to participate in the feature for others. (I suppose the best analogy for the last idea would be having stagefright, but still supporting others participating in theater.) Therefore, I believe the best solution would be to turn disabling likes and hiding like into two different functions.[list] [*][b]Disabling likes[/b] would make an account's like counters hidden from all users, as is the case with dragons on banned accounts. However, if the user only disables likes, they would still be able to see the like counters on other users' dragons, and like them. [*][b]Hiding likes[/b] would function the same as it does now. A user would be unable to see the like counter on any dragon. It could either be used in conjunction with disabling likes, to opt out of the system entirely, or by itself, mimicking the current system in place.[/list] I believe that's the full extent of my suggestion so far, though I may add quotes or additions to the OP if I find them particularly insightful. Thank you for reading, and, if you also comment, for replying!

Huge support tbh. I've always backed threads like these and see what it eventually ends up happening to the suggesters. Like you said, harassment. You summed up essentially how I've felt too, so.

Support, and I appreciate the way you worded things as well.

I find it sad that people go out of their way to like dragons of a player that has specifically asked not to get likes. I see no harm in adding the ability to disable likes and as suggested in the OP would still like to keep the ability to hide likes.

Support every time. I enjoy likes, but it shouldn't come at the cost of other users. All the harassment just proves why we need it.

Huge support. I'm someone who quite enjoys the like system, but I've seen enough people explaining why they don't like it to conclude that there should be a way to opt out completely, not just hide the likes.

I think more ways for a user to customize their experience is always a good thing... And I've seen folks say it can mess with their anxiety and OCD, and for that reason, I'd consider it an accessibility option as well as a customization option.

It would have no negative impact on people like me who enjoy likes, and it would help people that don't like or even struggle with it.

I'd enjoy the like system even more if I didn't have to worry about accidentally upsetting someone by liking their dragons when they don't want me to.

Support! I love likes, but those who don't should have a better toggle. The current system just isn't good enough for a good chunk of players. And an option to disable wouldn't hurt those who do enjoy likes.

Support! Thankfully I don’t care too much about the likes like I do with my art account on social media. I see it more as a “Oh this person likes dragon XYZ more than they like my other dragon ZYX.” However, I understand the anxiety that one can get from looking at likes of any kind so this should 100% be an option :)

I support. It just makes sense, especially considering the harassment going on.

I have always supported this, even before FR introduced their own like system.

I don't have anxiety about likes myself, but as someone who used to be *really* bad with anxiety to the point of seeing someone posted something on a thread I had posted on would make me feel sick to my stomach, even if I knew they weren't replying to *me*, I can easily understand how something like this would give people issues.

I also feel that players should have as much control over their own dragons as possible. Including things like nicknames for offspring that doesn't affect the actual dragon, and various other things... So, being able to disable likes, completely so no one else can like the dragon, and being able to set likes back to zero are two things that I feel the like system should have had from the beginning.

Edit: Also, considering the harassment that does go on when someone makes it known they don't like some form of interaction (getting pinged, getting a profile comment, getting likes etc..) I feel things like this are something that is absolutely needed on FR. It is a game, not a social media site, and if someone doesn't want a certain interaction they should be able to 'opt out' completely.