We all want to be seen, but what happens when that desire becomes doctrine? In this episode we explore how praise, likes, and external approval have become the new holy grail. From dopamine loops to identity distortion, we break down the neuroscience, psychology, and soul-level consequences of living for applause.
This is about more than social media. It’s about how we build ourselves in front of mirrors and what happens when they crack.
Episode sources:
Center for Humane Technology. (n.d.). Attention & Mental Health.
https://www.humanetech.com/attention-mental-healthFisher, M. (2022). Effects of Social Media Validation. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357606313_Effects_of_Social_Media_ValidationPsyPost. (2023). Dopamine and Social Media: Why You Can’t Stop Scrolling, According to Neuroscience.
https://www.psypost.org/dopamine-and-social-media-why-you-cant-stop-scrolling-according-to-neuroscienceMcLean Hospital. (n.d.). Is Social Media Affecting Your Mental Health?
https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-healthFrontiers in Psychology. (2022). The Neural Mechanisms of Mirror Gazing: A Review.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.949211/fullTravis, R. (2021). Portals to Self-Perception: A Phenomenological Review of Mirrors. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences.
https://philarchive.org/archive/TRAPIT-4International Journal of Research Publications and Reviews (IJRPR). (2023). The Psychological Effects of Social Media Validation.
https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V4ISSUE7/IJRPR15703.pdfPsychology Today. (2021). Using Social Media for Reassurance and Validation.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liberate-yourself/202111/using-social-media-reassurance-and-validationVox. (2023). Why External Validation Feels So Good — and What to Do About It.
https://www.vox.com/even-better/395448/external-validation-people-pleasing-social-media-self-worthThe Sun. (2023). How to Stop Being an Approval Addict.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wellness/29071723/approval-addict-people-pleasing-change/
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