[WA]

Assuming that everybody uses Instagram to gain more followers, likes, exposure.

If you merely use it privately with your friends, not showing likes takes pressure and awkwardness out of it imho.

[rohan1024]

This is what is happening. Most people are running after likes and followers. Everyone wants everyone else to like their stuff and follow them. Of course this does not happen every time. To certain extent it breeds resentment and jealousy. People not validating their acquaintances might seem like a small issue on social network but it has real impact on relationships in real life.