Do likes just feel likes almost a throw away

I am getting the idea the likes and even ping can feel like throw away almost. The way I use them if there somone I am not even sure about but would never ping I send them a like. I expect it to basically to get "lost in the mail." If likes are worthless and only ping matter somthing is seriously wrong with the app. Some people put a few qord just ping me. No offense if you get a ton of ping you dont respond to maybe dont ask?