I'm going to give some unsolicited advice (not at all directing this at you, Lexxi, just to anyone who wants to receive it).
If you enjoy or appreciate receiving reactions and/or feedback, please try and give it to others as well.
I realize some people rarely use the buttons unless, example, they actually
Laugh.
Out.
Loud. or would actually hug you in RL, or only think it necessary to thank someone if the news they bring is ground-shaking, and that's OK. Some experience forum (social) anxiety or are just shy. Some just think they are above it all and too many reactions = showing too much emotions(?) Some may just think the whole button mashing thing is irrelevent. Just keep in mind, though, that when people are paying attention to
you, it isn't because you're the funniest comedian ever, or that in RL they would ever smother you in kisses and hugs, or find your news Mon Dieu Incroyable!!!
Reaction buttons are simply another form of communication that (I believe) add to the conversation, like body language and tone do. They let others know you are paying attention to what they are saying. They let people know they aren't simply speaking into the void. We could all just write in a journal and be done with it, no? I could be speaking this TL: DR into a mirror. We are here for interaction...
There are many reasons for not using the buttons, and everyone should be themselves and post the way that is most comfortable for them. Maybe they're on a phone where all the buttons don't show up, or maybe they simply wish no one would ever 'react' to their posts and don't know how to let others know, or whatever. Do you.
There is one poster here who never uses reaction buttons. I mean never. I'm going to use them as an example to make a point without naming them. There are others who rarely ''react'' so they won't know...
I remember this person, over the many years they have posted here, speaking a couple of times about something terrible that had happened in their life, and one time, they specifically wrote how the large number of ''reactions'' had really touched them, etc. l have to be honest, here. It pissed me off a little. If they know how much it is appreciated, then why don't they reciprocate? I don't understand.
So, again, If at times you enjoy or appreciate receiving reactions, keep in mind that others do as well.
In forums, virtual communities, RL, etc. it's all the same. No need to go overboard, of course. We are all different personality types. Stay true to yourself. I've dialed down my ''emoting'' over the years, figuring it might be offputting to some, and I try not to give too much attention to those who seem reluctant, thinking it may be, idk, uncomfortable for them.
But who knows, maybe they don't react to me and others because we're simply not that interesting or deserving of their attention.