We’ve all said it at some point: “I don’t care about validation!” – usually right before refreshing our social media feed for the 47th time in an hour. It’s not really about the likes, we tell ourselves. It’s about…well, okay, maybe it’s a little about the likes.
We say we don’t care. We swear we don’t care. But the minute we post something, suddenly, our phone becomes the most essential object in the Universe. We turn into undercover agents, subtly glancing at our screens during conversations, meetings, and even deep philosophical thoughts like, “Did I leave the geyser on?”
Let’s be honest – validation is overrated. But also, it’s kind of like that one ex who you know isn’t good for you, yet you still casually stalk their Instagram at 2:00 AM.
Wisdom says: “Be secure in yourself.”
Social Media says, “Your post is performing 90% worse than others. Do you want to boost it?” Excuse me, Instagram. Why are you personally attacking me on a fine Tuesday afternoon?
Wisdom says: “Your worth isn’t measured in numbers.”
Social Media says, “1 like in ten minutes? Yikes! Let’s just take this post down and pretend it never happened.
Wisdom says: “Be present in the moment.”
Social Media says: “But what if you just quickly check the comments while pretending to listen to your friend’s story?”
We know that our self-worth shouldn’t be tied to external validation. We know that likes are just virtual thumbs-ups from people who probably scrolled past our post without even reading the caption. But still, there is a tiny dopamine gremlin in our brains that does a happy dance every time we see that notification.
Conclusion: We are all just Dopamine Detectives.
We know that likes don’t measure our worth. But they do feel like tiny digital high-fives from the Universe. So, we will continue pretending we don’t care…while secretly checking our notifications one last time.
So yes, validation is overrated. But also—hold on a second—I need to check my phone quickly, you know, for science.
I am participating in the #BlogchatterA2Z, and this is my post on the theme ‘Of Epiphanies & Eyerolls‘.
Okay but why is this so accurate? I felt personally attacked…and also seen “I don’t care” while checking my phone like it owes me money! “We are all just Dopamine Detectives.”- Short, sharp, and hilariously real — that line deserves its own like button.
Love the witty take on our love-hate relationship with validation! It’s a refreshing reminder to prioritize self-worth over likes while still enjoying the occasional dopamine rush. Great read!
Why are all your posts feel like as if you are seeing me through a scanner? Lol! This is so true. I also want to admit that I am trying a lot to stay away from my phone… trying a lot though . ( wink wink)