I was like - Teenagers say this instead of 'I said' because they think it

Teenagers say this instead of 'I said' because they think it makes them sound cool and not like a complete idiot.

I was like, 'This party is the best ever,' but I just drank three sodas.

I was like, 'I’m gonna be rich,' but I still don’t have a job.

I was like, 'I’m the next big thing,' but I failed algebra.