Speech Through The Social Media "Like" Button

What does it mean to "like" something?   That is one of the next intriguing questions facing us as we roll down the uncharted path of applying traditional activities and claims to the modern social media era.   Webster's Dictionary defines the verb "like" as "to be pleased with; enjoy" and "to wish" and be "in the mood for".    Wikipedia adds, specifically with regard to online communities, that it serves to display one's "personal attraction, acknowledgment or sympathy with the 'liked' object."

I'm not sure that really answers the question of what it means to "like" something.    It's like when a spouse asks how he or she looks in a new outfit, and you answer with some trepidation:  "Uh, I like it."   I guess it's a better answer than "it's interesting", but what did you really mean?   And your "I like it" could have dire consequences, the likes of which may be more appropriate for discussion in my firm's matrimonial blog.