I just want to say that I think it’s not a good idea to remove the work “likes” near the heart button, because, as @PiecesOfKate pointed out, it’s too easy to click on it to see who liked and accidentally push on it, and it already happened to me.
The word “like/likes” basically worked as a safe area to click on to view users without clicking on the heart.
I find it interesting how many people have an issue with that i.e. how many people need to do that. If I look at the likes I only do that after I liked a post to not be influenced.
For me, it happens often. I’m curious and interested in knowing other people who find a post particularly interesting while I didn’t. Or maybe there’s a joke I didn’t get.
It seems so. I’ve tried signing up to the suggested forum with the account I use here but I wasn’t able to get in. There are some automatic sign up procedures via twitter, facebook and other social media, though.
I agree with @Gffp. @eviltrout: Another solution would be to “split” the number and the heart into two buttons (that are clearly recognizable). This in includes that if you hover over the number only the number is highlighted.