. . . their friendship became just a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram likes

[shootingstar]

In her actual life, she had never fallen out with Izzy. Nothing that dramatic. But after Izzy had gone to Australia, things had faded between them until their friendship became just a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram likes and emoji-filled birthday messages.

(The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, episode The Three Horseshoes)

I take "became a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram likes" to mean "became a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram of sorts". Do I have this right?

 

[5jj]

I take "became a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram likes" to mean "became a vapour trail of sporadic Facebook and Instagram of sorts". Do I have this right?

No. The reference is to 'Likes', a sign that someone has clicked on 'Like' on your post.

 

[5jj]

@shootingstar, you will see that @jutfrank gave a 'Like' to my last post.