The Allure of Likes and Virality
Brian Sankarsingh unmasks the dark side of social media
We live in the age of social media, and in this time, the pursuit of likes and virality has become an obsession for many people. This undeniable force shapes the way many people perceive and present themselves – and others - online. Social media platforms offer a seemingly endless stream of validation through likes, shares, and comments, creating an allure that is hard to resist. However, this mindless quest for digital affirmation and validation is not without its consequences. Once we spoke about the “keyboard warrior” who hid in anonymity and trolled the world. That keyboard warrior had evolved into narcissistic, attention-seeking people who pick up their phones with cameras on and make their assault onto the world with the hopes of “going viral.”
Social media platforms have become the modern-day arenas where individuals showcase their lives, talents, and opinions, seeking approval and validation from their virtual peers. The dopamine rush associated with receiving likes and positive feedback triggers a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the desire for more. This pursuit can lead to a cycle of dependency, where self-worth becomes intricately tied to online popularity. People did good things for the sake of doing something good for their fellow humans; now it seems that unless there was a camera point toward the act, it does not exist; and if it does not exist then it is not worthwhile. We’re no longer concerned about helping another individual unless we can barter that help for kudos online. But it does not stop there. There are people who intentionally do crappy things to others to get a reaction from their “audience.” For them, virality is the end game and there are no rules about what one must do to get it. It’s been said, any publicity is good publicity, and these folks take that literally.
Research suggests a link between heavy social media use and negative mental health outcomes. The pressure to conform to societal expectations, coupled with the fear of missing out (FOMO), can contribute to anxiety and depression. On the other hand, the refrain ‘you only live one” (YOLO) spurs individuals to push the envelope with more edgy content so that they can stand out in the sea of influencers. This constant need for validation can lead individuals to prioritize the virtual world over their real-life experiences, resulting in a skewed sense of self and identity. Conversely, the constant exposure to curated content on social media fosters a culture of comparison. Individuals often measure their success, attractiveness, and happiness against the carefully crafted images presented by others. This can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even mental health issues as users internalize unrealistic standards set by influencers. This mindless – and often heartless - pursuit of virality often leads to the creation of shallow and sensationalized content. Clickbait, controversial statements, and exaggerated narratives become tools for grabbing attention, compromising the authenticity of online interactions. This trend not only erodes trust but also perpetuates a culture where shock value triumphs over substance.
As people prioritize online popularity, the quality of interpersonal relationships suffers. The focus on crafting the perfect online persona can lead to a disconnection from authentic self-expression, and this contaminates any attempt at genuine connections with others. The pursuit of likes may drive individuals to prioritize quantity over quality, leaving relationships superficial and transactional. On a larger scale, the pursuit of likes and virality contributes to the dissemination of misinformation and the amplification of polarizing content. The algorithm overlords that govern social media platforms often prioritize sensational and divisive content, further fueling societal polarization. This can have far-reaching consequences, affecting what we view as entertainment, public discourse, political opinions, and societal cohesion.
While social media offers a platform for connection and self-expression, the allure of chasing likes and virality has overshadowed any positive impact it may have on society. Add to this, the impact on individual mental health, the erosion of genuine connections, and the contribution to societal polarization are all consequences of a culture obsessed with online validation.
Will we ever be able to strike a balance between meaningful online engagement and a healthy detachment from the metrics of popularity? What are your thoughts on this?
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
"The pursuit of likes may drive individuals to prioritize quantity over quality, leaving relationships superficial and transactional." Is any other type of relationship even possible on social media? These platforms limit us to a like and a brief comment, even on serious, sensitive and complex issues that really warrant a lengthier, more comprehensive discussion back and forth — preferably face-to-face, so we can see how someone is being affected by our words and we an provide clarification, elaboration, or support in real time where needed.
Love how this article came at things from so many angles and raised so many important issues for consideration.
Touche @brian - here we are using social media to talk about social media to get more attention on social media!