Now Facebook says it may remove Like counts

Facebook could soon start hiding the Like counter on News Feed posts to protect users’ from envy and dissuade them from self-censorship. Instagram is already testing this in 7 countries including Canada and Brazil, showing a post’s audience just a few names of mutual friends who’ve Liked it instead of the total number. The idea is to prevent users from destructively comparing themselves to others and potentially feeing inadequate if their posts don’t get as many Likes. It could also stop users from deleting posts they think aren’t getting enough Likes or not sharing in the first place.

Facebook prototypes hiding like counts [via Jane Manchun Wong]

Reverse engineering master Jane Manchun Wong spotted Facebook prototyping the hidden Like counts in its Android app. When we asked Facebook, the company confirmed to TechCrunch that it’s considering testing removal of Like counts. However it’s not live for users yet. Facebook declined to share results from the Instagram Like hiding tests, its exact motives, or any schedule for starting testing. If it does decide to go ahead with a test, Facebook would likely do so gradually and pull back if it significantly hurts usage or ad revenue.

Instagram will now hide likes in 6 more countries

Still, the prototype might indicate positive results from hiding Like tallies in Instagram, which we first reported in April after it was spotted by Wong there as well. After beginning testing in Canada later that month. Instagram added Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, and Japan to the test in July. There, a post’s author can still see the Like total, but everyone else can’t. The expansion of that Instagram test and Facebook potentially trying it in its own app signals that it might have positive or negligible impacts on sharing while aiding mental health, or at least be worth a slight drop in engagement.

Instagram is already testing hiding Like counts and Facebook may soon do the same.

Facebook has gradually been relegated to the place for sharing showy life events like marriages or new jobs while Instagram and Snapchat take over for day-to-day sharing. The problem is that people have so many fewer of those big moments, and the large Like counts they attract can make other users self-conscious of their of own lives and content. That’s all problematic for Facebook’s ad views. Facebook wants to avoid scenarios such as “Look how many Likes they get. My life is lame in comparison” or “why even share if it’s not going to get as many Likes as her post and people will think I’m unpopular”.

The difference between good and bad Facebooking

Removing Like counts could put less pressure on users and encourage them to share more freely and frequently, as I wrote in 2017. It could also obscure Facebook’s own potential decline in popularity as users switch to other apps. Posts not getting as many Likes as they used to could hasten the exodus.

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Now Facebook says it may remove Like counts

Facebook could soon start hiding the Like counter on News Feed posts to protect users’ from envy and dissuade them from self-censorship. Instagram is already testing this in 7 countries including Canada and Brazil, showing a post’s audience just a few names of mutual friends who’ve Liked it instead of the total number. The idea is to prevent users from destructively comparing themselves to others and potentially feeing inadequate if their posts don’t get as many Likes. It could also stop users from deleting posts they think aren’t getting enough Likes or not sharing in the first place.

Facebook prototypes hiding like counts [via Jane Manchun Wong]

Reverse engineering master Jane Manchun Wong spotted Facebook prototyping the hidden Like counts in its Android app. When we asked Facebook, the company confirmed to TechCrunch that it’s considering testing removal of Like counts. However it’s not live for users yet. Facebook declined to share results from the Instagram Like hiding tests, its exact motives, or any schedule for starting testing. If it does decide to go ahead with a test, Facebook would likely do so gradually and pull back if it significantly hurts usage or ad revenue.

Instagram will now hide likes in 6 more countries

Still, the prototype might indicate positive results from hiding Like tallies in Instagram, which we first reported in April after it was spotted by Wong there as well. After beginning testing in Canada later that month. Instagram added Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, and Japan to the test in July. There, a post’s author can still see the Like total, but everyone else can’t. The expansion of that Instagram test and Facebook potentially trying it in its own app signals that it might have positive or negligible impacts on sharing while aiding mental health, or at least be worth a slight drop in engagement.

Instagram is already testing hiding Like counts and Facebook may soon do the same.

Facebook has gradually been relegated to the place for sharing showy life events like marriages or new jobs while Instagram and Snapchat take over for day-to-day sharing. The problem is that people have so many fewer of those big moments, and the large Like counts they attract can make other users self-conscious of their of own lives and content. That’s all problematic for Facebook’s ad views. Facebook wants to avoid scenarios such as “Look how many Likes they get. My life is lame in comparison” or “why even share if it’s not going to get as many Likes as her post and people will think I’m unpopular”.

The difference between good and bad Facebooking

Removing Like counts could put less pressure on users and encourage them to share more freely and frequently, as I wrote in 2017. It could also obscure Facebook’s own potential decline in popularity as users switch to other apps. Posts not getting as many Likes as they used to could hasten the exodus.

Read Full Article

The 9 Best Baking Recipe Websites for Delicious Dessert Ideas

Do you have no idea what delicious treat you should bake next? Coming up with your own recipes is challenging and baking the same recipe over and over gets boring.

If you’ve run out of ideas, there are plenty of resources you can use to get some inspiration. End your baking dry spell and check out these websites for baking inspiration and recipes.

1. Baking Mad

When you need some new baking recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Baking Mad. The site features hundreds of easy-to-follow recipes for cakes, cookies, bread, pancakes, cupcakes, and pies.

Each recipe displays a difficulty level and lets you know if it satisfies special dietary requirements. This makes it perfect for those living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

If you need a more hands-on approach, Baking Mad also has baking videos you can watch as you create your treat. For even more baking help, you can check out Baking Mad’s tips and tricks section—it features advice on everything from substituting eggs to making self-rising flour.

Baking Mad is your all-in-one source for baking needs, and the site even includes its own bakeware shop.

2. My Baking Addiction

My Baking Addiction was created by baking hobbyist, Jamie. The website includes a collection of her own recipes, a personal blog, as well as dessert inspiration from her travels.

You won’t have trouble figuring out your next baking project on My Baking Addiction. Head to the main menu, and click Recipe Index under the Recipes tab. From here, you can filter and find recipes based on easiness, type of dessert, and whether it requires baking in the oven.

3. Sally’s Baking Addiction

Sally’s Baking Addiction is run by self-taught baker and cookbook author, Sally McKenney. You can find several recipes on just about any sweet treat that you can think of—candy, donuts, frosting, and ice cream are just some of the recipes you’ll come across.

Additionally, you can find recipes based on the type of treat, the season, or a specific ingredient.

Every month, Sally posts baking challenges for those who want to put their skills to the test. Sally walks you through an expert-level recipe, and you’ll feel proud once you successfully complete it!

In case you’re tired of baking desserts, Sally’s Baking Addiction has plenty of dinner ideas as well.

4. Joy of Baking

Although the Joy of Baking website isn’t the most attractive and has its fair share of ads, it’s still a reliable resource for unique and tasty recipes. Stephanie Jaworski created Joy of Baking way back in 1997 as a way to interact with other bakers. While Stephanie handles the recipes, her husband tackles all the photos and videography for the site.

In fact, her YouTube channel is one of the best cooking channels on the web.

As soon as you open the site, you’ll probably get overwhelmed by the number of options. The leftmost and top sidebars house several recipe categories like eggless recipes, apple recipes, cakes, and healthy baking.

Each recipe comes with high-quality videos that show you exactly how to get the decadent results you want.

5. Brown Eyed Baker

If you want recipes with a personal touch, check out Brown Eyed Baker. Clicking on the Start Here button at the top of the screen introduces you to the site. The mind behind Brown Eyed Baker, Michelle, prides herself on providing recipes that are uncomplicated, yet delicious.

To browse the entire site for recipes, navigate to the Recipe Index. Here, you can select the category of dessert you want to bake, as well as search by ingredient. Brown Eyed Baker gives recommendations on ingredients and baking equipment as well.

6. Bakerella

Bakerella offers a clean and organized website for several types of desserts. The owner of the site, Angie, focuses on simple and fun recipes. On the home screen, you’ll find the most recently added recipe, along with instructions.

The Sweet Stuff category on the top menu bar contains all Bakerella’s recipes, such as cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, and more. You’ll also find cake pop recipes, holiday recipes, and links to Angie’s own cookbooks.

7. Passion for Baking

Once you head to Passion for Baking, you’ll immediately get inspired (and hungry) by the collection of amazing dessert photos—the treats almost look too good to eat!

Manuela Kjeilen created the site with the goal to spark creativity in other bakers, and her unique recipes do just that.

When you click on one of the recipes, you’ll see a short introduction that shows pictures of the completed dessert. The mouthwatering photos are followed by an ingredient list, along with detailed step-by-step instructions. Better yet, you can scroll down and see photos of the dessert’s entire baking process.

8. Amy’s Healthy Baking

If you’re looking for sites with healthy food recipes, Amy’s Healthy Baking is a great place to start. The words “healthy” and “baking” don’t seem to go together, but Amy makes it work. It’s hard to bake desserts that are healthy and tasty, so it’s impressive to see so many dessert recipes that won’t ruin your diet.

Each recipe has a low-calorie count that Amy will mention in the description of each recipe. When you want to indulge without all the extra sugar and fat, one of these recipes is the perfect healthy solution.

On this site, you’ll also find advice on how to start your own cooking blog and even some recommendations for kitchen supplies.

9. The Cake Blog

The Cake Blog has some of the most extravagant and creative cake recipes. If you have a special event coming up, try your hand at making one of these recipes, and you won’t fail to impress all your guests.

You might not have expert cake creation skills, and that’s okay. Navigate to the Tutorials tab on the top menu bar, and you’ll see a collection of unique cakes that you can bake. They look intimidating, but the provided step-by-step tutorials break down the entire process.

Experiment With Baking Recipes

You don’t have to keep baking the same apple pie or generic chocolate cake at your family’s get-togethers. Instead, you should expand your cookbook by checking out the desserts on one of the above websites. There’s nothing more satisfying than successfully baking a new recipe, and seeing others enjoy it.

When you find multiple recipes you want to try, you’ll need a way to manage them. Luckily, these recipe management apps can help you organize and keep track of all your recipes.

Read the full article: The 9 Best Baking Recipe Websites for Delicious Dessert Ideas

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