Why do we seek mass validation in order to feel secure?

For many years, I have attempted to combat the philosophies of life. It comes from not just looking at the existence of super-natural beings, but allowing ourselves to purely understand ourselves.

In our ‘Instagram generation’ (Old Person, 2019), we are met with the need for mass validation. I would define mass validation as: a form of approval we need both consciously and subconsciously. This is hypocritical as at the same time, people are told to value their ‘small circles’.

But why is there a need to share our memories with outer-circles?

Why do we need to post pictures to showcase our beauty?

This form of mass validation causes one’s mind and body to be filled with envy and jealousy when we see another person living their ‘best life’ through their social media platform. In retaliation, we post our pictures to encapsulate memories and illustrate our beauty.

We pretend not to fear judgement because our self-proclaimed security transcends into believing we are validated by the masses. There seems to be a constant battle with trying to showcase your true-self on social media, however the hypocrisy presents itself when your sincerest moments do not tend to be thrown out into the cyber world.

Vanity has stormed our generation, forcing people to attempt to be fulfilled with beauty only. It is an inescapable cycle of approval and “self-love” that is difficult to think about once you are consumed by it. This does not have to be purely by beauty standards; this form of thought results in the need to prove yourself through success and material gain.

 

…

I would happily state that my battle with my own mind is coming to a close end.

Due to my previous struggle with body image, depression and anxiety, I became far more aware of my actions when it came to the projection of my ‘true self’ to others, online and offline.

 

I compared and devalued myself on the basis that someone else is ‘doing more’ and ‘achieving more’ by purely looking through their glass reality.

 

I reached a stage where in order to feel better about myself, I would be unable to appreciate another persons beauty because I thought it would devalue my own. I realise now, this is not the case.

“That’s definitely edited,” They say as they do the same thing.

“Don’t worry, she doesn’t look like that in real life!” People who are insecure and bitter. (sometimes, myself included!!!)

 

I used to seek validation from the masses and believed that in order to be accepted or approved, I needed to be a certain weight. I was fixated on achieving my previous ‘true form’ before I was diagnosed with different mental health disorders. I thought that my ‘true form’ could only emerge when I was a certain weight, which yes, is an issue and I think a lot of people struggle with. This ‘true form’ I spoke of to my family and friends was mourned by me in this state I was in.

After recovering, I realised that as a society we seem to be consumed by the need to be accepted, approved and validated by more than family. How do we free ourselves from this cycle? I believe there to be a real art to valuing yourself without a reflection of other people’s thoughts.

 

With those that are failing to identify with the idea that you don’t need mass validation, I would say one of two things to you: you are a) yes, secure, content and happy; or b) f*cking lying to yourselves.

 

Most people I have encountered have felt this need for approval in some way or another. They want to taste the satisfaction; to taste the empowerment over others. It seems to be a difficult aspect of our lives to accept, but I think, once acknowledged, we can move on from The Need for Mass Validation.