Like: The Button That Changed the World
Over seven billion times a day, someone taps a like button. How could something that came out of nowhere become so ubiquitous--and even so addictive? How did this seemingly ordinary social media icon go from such a small and unassuming invention to something so intuitive and universally understood that it has scaled well beyond its original intent?
This is the story of the like button and how it changed our lives. In Like, bestselling author and renowned strategy expert Martin Reeves and coauthor Bob Goodson--Silicon Valley veteran and one of the originators of the like button--take readers on a quest to uncover the origins of the thumbs-up gesture, how it became an icon on social media, and what's behind its power.
Through insights from key players, including the founders of Yelp, PayPal, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Gmail, and FriendFeed, you'll hear firsthand the disorderly, serendipitous process from which the like button was born. It's a story that starts with a simple thumbs-up cartoon but ends up with surprises and new mysteries at every turn, some of them as deep as anthropological history and others as speculative as the AI-charged future.
But this is much more than the origin story of the like button. Drawing on business and innovation theory, evolutionary biology, social psychology, neuroscience, and other human-centered disciplines, this deeply researched book offers smart and unexpected insights into how this little icon changed our world--and all of us in the process.
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Buzz Feed
19 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
Viral Private Parts Song Teaches Kids Body Boundaries
NOTE: This post contains conversations around sexual abuse. A first-grade teacher named Mrs. Gelda Waterboer is currently going mega viral for how she is teaching her students about body boundaries. Gelda is teaching her students by song. A TikTok of her passionately singing the song in her classroom — where you can hear her students singing along in the background — has gone viral on the platform. "These are my private parts, private parts, private parts," she sings, motioning to her chest, crotch, and behind. The song continues, "These are my private parts, private parts, private parts. No one should touch them. No one should squeeze them. And if you touch my private parts, private parts, private parts, I will tell my mother. I will tell my father. I will tell my teacher," Gelda repeats the lyrics of the song with her students once more in her video that has been viewed nearly 42 million times. You can watch the full song here. One thing people immediately noticed was Gelda's intense delivery of the song... Which she was quickly applauded for, because she put so much intention behind it. People also praised the song for being something that young children can quickly pick up on and recollect if needed. BuzzFeed spoke to Gelda, who has been teaching for nine years. She said teaching is not just her job, it is her calling. "For me, teaching is not only about ABCs and 123s — it's also about raising children who are aware, confident, and safe. My classroom is a space where learning meets safety, love, and trust. The viral TikTok moment was unexpected, but it showed me that this message resonates far and wide. If one song can empower one child to speak up, then I know I'm making a difference. I hope more teachers, parents, and communities embrace these conversations early, so that every child grows up knowing their worth and their right to safety," she said. When Gelda first heard the private parts song on YouTube a few years ago, it struck her deeply. "It wasn't just catchy — it was a powerful tool for teaching children about their own boundaries and safety in a way they could understand. Because of my own childhood experiences, I know what it feels like to be hurt by people you trust and to feel like there is no one you can talk to. I promised myself that every child who comes through my classroom would learn that their voice matters, that their body belongs to them, and that it's always okay to speak up," she said. Here is the original YouTube song she sings in her TikTok. And that is why Gelda said she sings the song with so much intention. "It is personal for me — it's more than just a lesson, it's a life skill. Many children are unaware of their right to say 'no' or to tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong. This song opens the door to that conversation in a way that's safe, engaging, and memorable. My goal is to equip my students with confidence and the courage to protect themselves, both now and in the future." The responses from the parents of her students have been overwhelmingly positive, too. "Many parents thanked me for introducing such an important topic in a way that children can relate to. Some have even told me that their children went home and shared the song with siblings and friends, meaning the message is spreading beyond the classroom." And despite some arguments in the comments saying that first graders are "too young," Gelda's song is supported by substantial research and evidence showing that children aged three to five should be taught about body autonomy. Studies indicate that using proper names for body parts helps children develop awareness and confidence. Furthermore, introducing simple concepts like 'safe touch' versus 'unsafe touch,' along with encouraging kids to speak up — even about difficult feelings — helps parents establish a foundation of trust, open communication, and early abuse prevention. So, ultimately, early education on body safety helps protect children by giving them the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves. Globally, an estimated one in five girls (18.9%) and one in seven boys (14.8%) experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18, according to 2023 data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). In the United States, studies show that Black girls face disproportionately higher rates of sexual abuse, with some research indicating they are over three times more likely to be sexually abused than white girls. That is why Gelda is continuing to create important conversations on her page to spread awareness. In another viral TikTok, she explains what is happening in South Africa, which borders where she currently lives in Namibia. "There is a great concern in the comment section when it comes to the safety of the kids in their own home. I remember back in 2020, a beautiful 2-week-old baby girl lost her life in her father's hands, and now, recently in South Africa, a beautiful girl, Nikita, lost her life in the hands of her own father. So who is going to protect these kids if the ones that are supposed to protect them are not protecting them?" "A community is needed. An uproar is needed. A great awareness is needed. And there needs to be people who are willing to give their ear, who are willing to give their hand to these kids. There needs to be a community of people who are willing to really stand in a gap, even if it's not their responsibility... People, guardians, and parents: believe your children when they tell you something. Believe them. Some people trust their partners so much that when their kids raise their voice and try to tell them something, they disregard their own children. Believe your child," she concludes. Currently, Gelda is working to build a safe place for kids called Sanctuary of Love. "It is a dream that has lived in my heart for many years — a safe haven where vulnerable and less fortunate children can find care, comfort, and hope for a brighter future. As a teacher, I have seen the struggles many children face, and I believe every child deserves to feel loved, protected, and valued. I have already applied for land to build the shelter and will complete all formal paperwork as soon as it becomes available," she said. Lastly, many people have asked Gelda where they can contribute to help. In Namibia, she is unable to receive donations through charitable crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, so if you want to get in contact with her about how you can help, connect with Gelda on TikTok here. The Child National Abuse Hotline is: 1‑800‑4‑A‑CHILD (1‑800‑422‑4453), and crisis counselors are available 24/7, in over 170 languages. You can also find more resources at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
When is the New Heights podcast with Taylor Swift? Date, time, where to watch episode
Taylor Swift has entered plenty of arenas over the years – just not the podcast arena. On Wednesday, the pop star will be doing something a little different by joining the "New Heights" podcast, famously hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother, Jason. It's a highly anticipated episode of the show that has grown in popularity over the years, especially as the Kelce-Swift relationship takes center stage. Now as a new NFL season approaches, the brothers will be hosting Swift on the show for the first time, where she'll talk about her upcoming new album and plenty more. Football fans might get a glimpse into Swift's transformation into a superfan of the Kansas City Chiefs – and perhaps her dwindling interest in her former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Swifties can hope for a look behind the curtain of the making of the album "The Life of a Showgirl," in addition to all the latest relationship gossip that comes with dating an athlete. No matter what, plenty of eyes and ears are tuning in and that's why we have you covered. Here's how you can catch the Taylor Swift episode of the "New Heights" podcast so you don't miss a moment. When is the New Heights podcast with Taylor Swift? The "New Heights" podcast episode featuring Taylor Swift is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, Aug. 13. What time is the New Heights podcast with Taylor Swift? The latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast will premiere at 7 p.m. ET. How to watch New Heights podcast: Time, Streaming "New Heights" remains a podcast that airs exclusively on its YouTube channel. For those who want to listen, there are plenty of other options available. Where to watch New Heights podcast "New Heights" is available in audio wherever you get your podcasts, with YouTube being the lone provider of the video stream.
USA Today
19 minutes ago
- USA Today
Taylor Swift live updates: The showgirl era begins with 'New Heights' appearance
NASHVILLE — Swifties are counting down the seconds along with Taylor Swift's website in anticipation of getting to spend some quality time with their girl, her boyfriend and his brother. Swift is set to appear on the Kelce brothers' "New Heights" podcast at 7 p.m. ET on Aug. 13. She's already announced the title of her next album, "The Life of a Showgirl." What else will fans learn? Will we get cover art? A release date? A track list? It's not often fans hear from Swift at length, so a full podcast seated next to partner Travis Kelce is quite the treat. No matter what news she breaks, it seems likely that at least a good time will be had judging by the teaser video of Jason Kelce introducing Swift to listeners so passionately he was out of breath by the end. Bryan West, Taylor Swift reporter for the USA TODAY Network, will be watching along with everyone else and posting updates here. Get your feathers and rhinestones ready, and follow along! If you're a more typical "New Heights" listener — aka a sports fan — check in with USA TODAY sports writers here. How to watch 'New Heights' podcast with Taylor Swift Those hoping to watch the Kelces and Swift on the "New Heights" podcast can do so at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The episode will drop on YouTube, which will contain a full video feed of the podcast episode. YouTube will be the only platform on which fans of Kelce and Swift will be able to see them interact on video. However, numerous podcast platforms will also carry the episode, allowing Swifties to listen to the entire episode. Below are some of the listening options for viewers, listed alphabetically: Billboards may reveal a major clue about 'Life of a Showgirl' Shortly after Swift broke the news of the name of her 12th era, a billboard in New York City directed fans to a Spotify playlist featuring songs from a familiar producer. The "And, baby, that's show business for you ❤️🔥" playlist has 22 Swift tracks all produced by Swedish mastermind Max Martin, who worked heavily with Swift and Swedish producer Shellback on her "1989" and "Reputation" albums. Swift dedicated a special acoustic medley to Martin at a Stockholm Eras Tour show. "Max is actually here tonight, but he's a shy genius so I'm not going to bring him out onstage, but I am going to play what I am calling the 'Max Martin Medley,'" she said. Swift combined "Message In A Bottle" from "Red (Taylor's Version)" — the first song she worked on with Martin — with "How You Get The Girl" and "New Romantics" from "1989 (Taylor's Version)." If Martin and Shellback are the main producers on the new album, it will be the first record in a handful of projects that Swift's main collaborators aren't Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner. Another possible collaboration is with singer and Eras Tour opening act Sabrina Carpenter, who is featured in the 12-photo carousel posted by Taylor Nation teasing her 12th era. Questions remain While Swifties may feel like they've endured a lifetime's worth of suspense in the lead-up to the announcement of Swift's 12th album, it's really only the beginning. Swift will keep them on their toes awaiting singles, videos, track lists and more. She also has a Searchlight Pictures movie project, a potential Eras Tour documentary, vault tracks from her "Reputation (Taylor's Version)" album and a debut album that the singer admits is fully rerecorded, not to mention trademarks for "Taylor-Con" and "Female Rage: The Musical."
