This really comes down to the individual. To me, the hugs button means absolutely nothing. I've never used it and I refuse to use it. I do thank posts though, especially when it challenges my views on things. I mostly post on the psychotherapy forum. I like it when I get an opinion, sometimes it might not be what I like to read, sometimes it gives me a different perspective I wouldn't have thought of. Maybe someone has gone through similar things in their therapy and so to read them give an explanation means a lot. Because then I can either take that info on board or totally dismiss, but I have something to look at and work with and since I'm paying for psychotherapy it's in my best interests. That for me is support. Giving me a hug or posting some smiley's ( without no words) isn't support. Not for me it isn't. When I see someone do that I often think it's because they can't think of anything to say and do it to look good.