Why Are There Limits on Likes/Dislikes?

"Your monthly like quota has been used up. A new one will be available on September 1: 5 👍 and 1 👎."

Seen this notification and wondered why the limits exist? It's simple: when reactions are unlimited, they lose their meaning.

How the quota works

1. On the 1st of each month, every user receives 5 👍 and 1 👎.
2. Each month of work on the portal adds +1 👍 and +1 👎 to your quota. The longer you've been with the team, the more reactions you can give per month.
3. Need an extra like? Participate in 5 team surveys — and you'll get +1 👍.

Why do limits make reactions more valuable?

When likes are unlimited, people hand them out without thinking. When they're limited, every like becomes a conscious "thank you, that was awesome."

The same goes for dislikes: an unlimited minus turns into a weapon that can easily sink someone's post and create a toxic environment for the recipient. The quota makes you pause before each dislike — is it truly deserved?

In a 1975 experiment, Worchel, Lee, and Adewole showed that people rate the same cookies as more desirable and valuable when the jar is nearly empty rather than full (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) — scarcity increases perceived value.

Recognition works the same way. A reaction you actually had to spend is a small reward or thoughtful critique, not a reflex.

Spend them wisely 🙂