Think of Me, Therefore I Will Be
True Relationships and Expectations on Social Media
You know the drill: I followed them, so why haven’t they followed back? I liked their post, why didn’t they like mine? It’s been 48 hours, and they still haven’t checked my status…
Social media has flipped our social lives upside down. What used to be simple friendships are now tangled up with likes, shares, and followers, creating a maze of expectations and insecurities.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X offer us a stage to showcase our best selves, craving validation through likes and comments. The phrase, "Think of me, therefore I will be," perfectly captures this reality—our self-worth is increasingly tied to online recognition.
You check your phone, you're often looking for that digital nod—likes, shares, retweets—proving you exist and matter. This endless pursuit of approval shapes how and what we post online. More engagement means more validation, fueling the cycle of seeking approval.
This quest for validation comes with strings attached. Thoughts like, "I followed them, why didn’t they follow me?" or "I liked their post, why don’t they like mine?" reflect the anxiety of mutual acknowledgement. When expectations aren’t met, it leads to feelings of inadequacy and rejection, especially among younger social media users.
FoMO is that gnawing feeling that others are having experiences you are not involved in. It's not about truly missing out, but the perception that you are. Social media feeds this by constantly showing us the highlights of others' lives. Those under thirty-five, men, teenagers, and unhappy individuals are most vulnerable to FoMO's grip.
Social media reshapes how we form and maintain relationships. While it connects us with many people, it often sacrifices deep, meaningful connections. Genuine relationships require time and effort, which can be overshadowed by the superficial bonds formed online.
So what will happen if you don’t look at your phone? "Think of me, therefore I will be" can evolve into prioritising true relationships and personal fulfilment over digital validation.
Engage in meaningful conversations, spend time with loved ones without digital distractions, and be present. This strengthens bonds and reduces reliance on social media for validation.
Set specific times for checking social media, turn off notifications, and take regular digital detoxes to reduce the pressure to stay constantly connected.
Focus on personal growth, hobbies, and surrounding yourself with supportive people.
“In the twentieth century, ‘I think, therefore I am’ no longer applies, but rather ‘Others are thinking of me, therefore I am.’”
— Peter Sloterdijik