Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc., have become an integral part of modern society. People spend hours daily scrolling through their feeds to check up on what's happening around them, connect with friends, stay updated about current events, and interact with others. Social media has changed how people communicate, share ideas, and form opinions. One aspect that is constantly present on social media is the need for validation - likes, comments, private messages, shares, retweets, views, followers, and subscribers. These metrics are used to assess one's worth, popularity, relevance, and success. Social validation acts as a lens for moral reasoning because it influences how people view themselves and others, leading to relational expectation and identity negotiation.
When using social media, people seek attention from their peers by posting content they believe will receive positive feedback. They post pictures, videos, memes, stories, opinions, and other types of content to gain approval and recognition. This process creates an internal pressure to impress others, which can lead to a loss of self-esteem if the posts don't get enough engagement.
Someone might post a picture of themselves and wait anxiously for likes or comments but not receive any, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-worth. On the other hand, excessive validation may create addiction and dependence on social media, affecting mental health. Therefore, it's essential to balance validation needs with personal growth and development.
Social validation also affects relationships because it sets expectations on how people should act, behave, and respond. People often compare their behavior and beliefs with those of their peers, leading to conformity and a lack of individuality. This dynamic impacts interpersonal communication because people may feel pressure to meet societal standards, compromise their values, or avoid expressing themselves. It can also cause conflict between friends, family members, and partners who disagree about what is acceptable and unacceptable online. The need for validation can damage relationships if it becomes more important than genuine connection and support.
Social validation shapes identity as it defines one's reputation and image. Social media users use metrics such as follower count, viewership, and engagement to measure success and popularity. Someone with many followers is seen as influential, while someone with few followers is less so.
This metric doesn't always reflect actual influence or value. As a result, some individuals may try to manipulate their appearance or behaviors to fit the social norms, which can lead to identity negotiation.
Someone may change their political views to appear more aligned with others in their group or post content they don't agree with for likes or shares.
Social validation plays an integral role in moral reasoning, relational expectation, and identity negotiation on social media platforms. People must be mindful of its effects and strike a balance between seeking validation and maintaining authenticity, integrity, and self-worth.
How does social validation—likes, comments, private messaging—act as a lens for moral reasoning, relational expectation, and identity negotiation?
The act of seeking social validation has become increasingly important in today's society due to the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. People are constantly looking for ways to validate themselves through likes, comments, and private messages from their peers. This validation serves as a lens through which individuals view their moral decisions and expectations in relationships, as well as how they present themselves to others.