Summary

The article discusses the significance of clapping on Medium, questioning why readers don't always clap the maximum 50 times and exploring the impact of claps on writers and the Medium algorithm.

Abstract

The Medium platform allows readers to clap up to 50 times for an article, yet not all readers utilize the full extent of this feature. The author reflects on the reasons behind this behavior, drawing parallels to evaluations where top scores are often reserved for perfection. The article delves into the psychology of clapping, suggesting that it can be seen as a form of social contagion, with the number of claps influenced by the behavior of others rather than the quality of the performance. It also touches on the health benefits of clapping and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the effort put into writing by giving a "Big 5-0" claps, which can motivate, inspire, and encourage writers. The author concludes by advocating for generous clapping as a form of appreciation for the writer's courage and work.

Opinions

The author admits to being selective with the number of claps given in the past but has started to clap more generously, aiming for the maximum 50 claps.
There is a belief that nothing is perfect and there's always room for improvement, which might discourage some from giving the highest score or the maximum number of claps.
The author suggests that the number of claps is arbitrary and should not be the sole measure of a writer's impact or the quality of their work.
Clapping is seen as a spontaneous response to a performance or an article, with the potential to improve heart health and serve as a social bonding activity.
The author emphasizes that even a single clap is acknowledgment of a writer's work and that the act of clapping is contagious and can provide motivation and encouragement to writers.
The article implies that the Medium algorithm may be influenced by the number of claps, but the exact impact, especially on earnings, is not clear.
The author encourages readers to be more expressive with their applause on Medium, suggesting that a "Big 5-0" shows genuine appreciation for the writer's effort, vulnerability, and the time invested in their craft.

BOUNCIN’ AND BEHAVIN’

Medium Readers & Writers — Why Not Clap 50 Times?

I’m just asking. I’m guilty too.

Writing on Medium

As soon as you begin to write on Medium, you quickly discover Medium allows a maximum of 50 claps per post.

So why doesn’t every reader clap the maximum number of times? Why is the number of claps all over the place?

I wonder if it’s like writing an evaluation. Or, completing a survey. Or, responding to a questionnaire.

Over the years, it’s been said to me to never give the highest score for anything. The rationale…nothing is perfect and there’s always room for improvement.

Could that be a reason not to clap 50 times?

I haven’t come across one writer that hasn’t felt their work could be improved. But you have to move on to the next article, the next story, the next writing project. That seems to be where improvement lies.

What does it take to get to the Big 5–0?

Believe me, I’ve been somewhat judicious with my number of claps. Do I really need a writer to move me, in order for the Big 5–0?

Don’t get me wrong. I always felt I was being generous & I often leave comments too. I love interacting with the readers of my pieces as well as the writers I read.

It’s funny though. I’m kind of a numbers nerd (a whole other story) and tend to associate particular numbers with meaningful dates and occurrences in my life. They are my “feel-good” numbers. I typically choose one of my “feel-good” numbers when I clap.

But I’ve begun to change my ways.

Why is that?

It started when I hadn’t been on Medium for several days the past couple of weeks. When I signed in, I had numerous notifications. Yay! That’s always exciting.

As I went through the notifications, I would click on one of my stories, make my way to the clapping hands 👏 and review the list of those who’ve clapped.

Some readers only gave one clap. While others gave all 50. And most times it’s a number somewhere in between.

This really made me stop and think.

We stand, we applaud, and we cheer…at all types of events.

Sporting Events
Concerts
Speeches
Weddings
Graduations

People get pretty damn loud showing their appreciation. They jump up and down, stomp their feet, and sometimes use clap sticks to help make even more noise.

Do you think they count their number of claps? They’re excited, they’re inspired, they’re exuberant. They’re most certainly not counting claps. They’re responding “in the moment” with a crowd of others.

The Health Benefits of Clapping

An article by Rebecca Morelle, Science Reporter, BBC World Service -Clapping Reveals Applause is a “Social Contagion”

The quality of a performance does not drive the amount of applause an audience gives, a study suggests.

Instead, scientists have found that clapping is contagious, and the length of an ovation is influenced by how other members of the crowd behave.

Clapping has also been reported to improve overall heart health.

If a reader is responding “in the moment” at the end of an article, what does the number of claps mean for a Medium writer?

Yes, I have read that the number of claps has an impact on the Medium algorithm. I have yet though to read an article that calculates the impact, let alone the impact on earnings.

Is this what you think about when you read an article? Or, when you look at your stats? I know I don’t.

I like reading other writers and I like that other writers read my work.

I know how much thought, preparation, research, and time I put into my stories. Because of this, I’ve started to reflect on other writers’ thoughts, prep, research, and time.

A lot of effort is given by each writer. Regardless of the article, effort should be rewarded. Putting yourself out there can be scary when you press the green publish button.

When you receive one clap, how does that make you feel?

How do you feel when someone clapped 50 times?

Gone are the days that I wonder if one clap just shows that someone was here, or with 32 claps they were moved by words, or by receiving 50 claps the individual was deeply inspired. The claps aren’t what show that.

Even with one clap, I feel acknowledged. It’s a wonderful feeling to know your work’s been read. That you’ve been recognized.

The claps are contagious. They provide motivation. They provide inspiration. They provide encouragement.

Keep going, writer.

I see you. I feel you. I know you. I celebrate you. And I will always clap. With a Big 5-0!

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 👏

Resources

Clapping reveals applause is a “social contagion”

Clapping — Did you know how good it is for your health?

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the article. Please clap, comment and follow. 🙏