Why do we need "likes" on social networks?

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

What to hide, many of us, having changed the avatar on our page in the social network, no, no, and even check how many "likes" she has collected. The same applies to new entries on the "wall", photos in albums, etc. In general, everything that one way or another shows our activity in virtual life, which today has become no less important than real. It is as if we want to get the approval of people hiding behind the same avatars - such "arbiters of destinies" deciding whether to press the coveted "I like" button or not.

Have you ever wondered why you are so worried about how the unfamiliar Maria Ivanova appreciated your new profile picture? Or why, looking at your friends' pages, you involuntarily compare who has more "likes" under the avatar?

Social stroking

"Likes" on social networks are the easiest way to "stroke" a person or be "stroked".

It's actually pretty simple. We need stroking - actions that signal to us that we are recognized as individuals, pay attention to us. We need them in the same way as air, water and food. Without stroking, we feel inferior, we become irritable, dull. "Likes" on social networks are the easiest way to "stroke" a person or be "stroked".

Compensation

We all strive to receive strokes in real life. Compliments, approval of parents or superiors, smiles, kind words, support - this makes us happy and creates a feeling that we are needed, we are recognized. However, if a person for some reason is unable to satisfy his "social hunger", he involuntarily turns to the Internet, where to get approval it is not necessary to be a diligent worker, an ideal daughter or mother, a girl who takes good care of herself, etc. All that is needed is upload new photos, post video and audio recordings on your page that others will like.

Faster! Above! Stronger

In addition, the pursuit of "likes" and the constant desire to receive them are dictated by the competitive spirit inherent in human nature. This is especially characteristic of adolescents, although sometimes older people "compete". The more "likes" I have, the cooler I am, they believe, raising popularity in social networks to the first place in the hierarchy of values. It's like a relationship in school: there are always cool guys and nerds in the classrooms. The former speak on modern telephones, dress fashionably, travel to foreign resorts and, most importantly, everyone likes it. In general, the same "Like".

There is nothing reprehensible in wanting to "please" others on social media.

There is nothing reprehensible in wanting to "please" others on social media. A person is characterized by the desire to be understood and loved. We want to create an image of ourselves that will be appreciated by others. And the approval of others is a kind of balm for the soul, convincing that everything is in order with you, you are a full-fledged member of society, and not a “blue stocking”.

But excessive concentration on the number of "likes" in social networks is a reason to think whether everything is so good in real life, whether it brings enough moral satisfaction, or is it worth taking more seriously what is happening to you here and now, so to speak, " offline "? If "likes" prevail over real smiles and kind words, this is a sure sign that it is time to change something outside the Internet.