Yes and no.
Likes are like "read receipts". At least you know that your post was seen. The attention economy is a bitch that can make one feel like one is merely shouting into the void.
I totally ag...
I would say that here, likes can function more as a way to show in a simpler way what a publication made you feel, since many clients even allow you to upload your own emojis or make your own, which can serve as Facebook reactions. or discord.