Agreed. I made a similar error starting out, until I realized that about 40 of the first 50 followers were bots...

IMO, because of how the system is gamed even just following people because you enjoy their content isn't really encouraged. Let's be honest; I bet on most anyone's follow list are a number of people that you could care less what they have to say, but because they draw a crowd they are added.

Especially while new to the platform; I would hate my steemit attitude if that carried into real life...

"hmm... do I like that or is liking this going to toss a few cents my way"
"Oh, I want to respond, but nobody is looking at this one, nevermind"

I would smack myself in the mouth for thinking like that of anyone I know...