Social validation refers to the act of seeking approval from others through various means such as likes, comments, shares, views, followers, and subscribers. It has become an integral part of our daily lives due to the rise of digital platforms that allow users to connect with each other across geographical boundaries. In this essay, I will discuss how social validation can influence our perception of ourselves and those around us, particularly in terms of relational dynamics.
Self-Perception: Social validation plays a crucial role in shaping our self-perception and identity. When we receive positive feedback online, it reinforces our belief that we are worthy and desirable individuals who contribute positively to society. This validation boosts our confidence, increases our motivation, and enhances our ability to cope with stressful situations.
When we receive negative comments or lack engagement, we tend to feel lonely, rejected, and unworthy, leading to low self-esteem and depression. Therefore, our self-perception is largely dependent on what we see reflected back at us through social media channels.
Desire Management: As humans, we have inherent desires for love, intimacy, companionship, and physical pleasure, which we often fulfill through relationships. Social validation serves as a mirror reflecting these desires, revealing whether they align with societal norms or not. When we receive positive validation, we perceive ourselves as attractive, desirable, and lovable individuals capable of forming meaningful connections. On the contrary, if we fail to garner appreciation from others, we may lose interest in romantic partnerships, sexual encounters, and personal growth. In essence, social validation acts as a barometer for our desire management.
Ethical Reflection: Lastly, social validation affects our ethical reflection by influencing our moral judgments and choices. We tend to associate approval with rightness and validity, thus making decisions based on how they will be received rather than their impact.
We may justify unethical actions such as lying, cheating, or stealing because it yields positive results online.
We may overlook negative behavior in others who provide us with validation, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, or racism. This can lead to skewed perceptions of reality, poor decision-making skills, and a lack of accountability.
Social validation influences how we view ourselves, manage our needs, and make ethical choices, emphasizing its significance in our daily lives.
Social validation is a powerful tool that shapes our perception of self, desires, and ethics. While it has many benefits, its negative implications cannot be ignored. Therefore, we must learn to balance it with other factors such as introspection, critical thinking, and real-life interactions to maintain mental health and wellbeing.
Can social validation online serve as a mirror for relational self-perception, desire management, and ethical reflection?
The research has demonstrated that social validation, particularly through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and others, may function as a mirror for individuals' perception of themselves and their relationships with other people. In particular, users often experience feelings of happiness, acceptance, belonging, and pride when they receive positive feedback from others on these platforms.