Episode 30: Desire for approval

Episode 30  Desire for approval

Script:

Hello, everyone, how are you? This week, the topic is "desire for approval". Social media is becoming more and more popular these days, and we often hear the phrase "desire for approval." It means wanting others to recognize and praise us. For example, imagine you bake a cake and share pictures of it on social media, hoping to get comments and likes. When you see those comments, it makes you happy. It's the feeling of wanting everyone to acknowledge that you did something good. To acknowledge means to admit and accept.

Life used to be simpler before social media became so popular. We didn't feel the need to show pictures of ourselves or of our friends and family at a restaurant. The only time we would show pictures to others was probably when we went on trips.

But social media has changed everything. Nowadays, people, especially women, post pictures of their new clothes, shoes, and jewelry on their social media pages. They also post pictures of the food they eat at restaurants, sometimes even just a cup of coffee.   They post their selfies at the gym.  Why do they do that?

I think maybe they feel insecure. They need validation, which means they want other people to say that they are good or important. Social media gives them a way to seek that validation from others. This desire for approval can stem from various factors. In today's digital age, social media has created a culture of comparison and competition. When we see others sharing their achievements and glamorous lifestyles, it can make us feel inadequate and fuel our own desire for validation. We may believe that receiving recognition from others will make us feel more valuable and worthy.

The number of likes, comments, and followers has become a measure of popularity and success. As a result, many individuals find themselves caught in a constant pursuit of more followers, striving to maintain an online presence that gather attention and praise.

However, it is essential to recognize the potential downsides of this reliance on external validation. The constant need for approval can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth, as our value becomes tied solely to the opinions of others. It can also create anxiety as we feel compelled to constantly seek validation in every aspect of our lives.

It is crucial to shift our focus inward. Building self-confidence and embracing our unique qualities and accomplishments can help us break free from the cycle of seeking external validation. Our worth should not be determined solely by the opinions of others.

In conclusion, while the desire for approval is increasingly prevalent in the age of social media, it is important to understand its underlying causes and impact on our well-being. By striving to develop a stronger sense of self-worth and reducing our dependence on external validation, we can find a healthier balance in our online interactions and cultivate a more authentic sense of happiness in our lives.

Vocabulary

acknowledge - means to admit and accept

validation – the act of checking and proving accuracy

inadequate – lacking the quality

distorted - twisted

prevalent - widespread