What is the point of the ’thanks’ button?

[idontwannabeanythingotherthanwhativebeentrynabe]

I mean if no else, other than the poster can see it, and not even know who liked it, what the actual point is.

I wish it was an actual like / dislike button that was for all to see…

I use the 'thanks' button as a 'like' button and still take part in the discussion. You might as well disable voting in YABU based on that rationale.

And I think that certain sections of MN are an echo chamber, it isn't exclusive to the ability to like/dislike something. Same with 'other forums'.

I can't even see it on the app. I get emails to say I've been thanked, so I think it's just a way of being sucked back to the site so MN get a higher footfall.

Yes I can't see it either

Hi OP,

We’ve had many requests over the years for a like button on Mumsnet but shared concerns that some have expressed about it being a bit reductive and possibly turning discussions into a popularity contest.

So we introduced 'hidden gratitude', where users can thank posters for a particularly helpful or generous post. It's an easy way to show appreciation but as the name suggests, there will be no publicly visible 'like' count, only the user who has been given thanks can see it.

One of the reasons I joined, and stayed on, MN was because of yne lack of likes, dislikes, profile pics and tickers, up/down votes.

I like it too.It's nice to get a daily notification with a list of posters who have thanked me.

And I like that it's a purely private thing, not a popularity contest or a Daliy Mail style "Best" post think. Please don't ever consider moving posts to the top if they get more thanks.

@Shineabrightlight's comment about bandwagons is equally valid.

I do it more of a ‘like’ than a thanks!

I find it pointless too. No-one can see it except the recipient, so why do we need it?

Also makes me LOL when someone announces they have X amount of 'thanks' on their post (when arguing with someone,) as if the 10 or 12 'thanks' they have means they're right. 😆

Also makes me LOL when someone announces they have X amount of 'thanks' on their post (when arguing with someone,) as if the 10 or 12 'thanks' they have means they're right. 😆

No, but this is how I learned about the thank option.
Someone really tried to win an argument by saying so and so many have thanked them, so they have to be right!
😃😅

But it's totally optional, affects no one if you never click on it, is private, why would you bother to even think about it?

Which is a very good reason for us not to have a public 'like' button!