Social evaluation

We live in a world where the value of something is determined by its exclusivity. Only a privileged few can enjoy exclusive goods, leaving the majority dissatisfied. This system creates a disparity that keeps only a minority content, while the majority continues chasing after what they cannot have.

Social validation plays a crucial role: we tend to value what others consider valuable. If many people attribute value to a “person x” or “object y,” we are inclined to believe they possess inherent worth. This phenomenon enhances the illusion of value, driving us to desire what others cherish, in an attempt to feel part of the group. Pillars of our economic system, like the stock market, thrive on this kind of speculation.

In our society, everything is inflated, including personal values. The price of our life and principles is often reduced to mere pennies, ready to be sold not to the highest bidder, but to the first one who captures our attention. This system is fueled by the approval of others, which capitalism exploits. We achieve goals not for personal satisfaction, but to feel validated by those around us.

To avoid being crushed by desires that are as dazzling as they are fleeting, we must detach ourselves from this system of external confirmation. Only then can we live authentically.

Social recognition is a fundamental, positive aspect of human nature, deeply rooted in our origins as a social species. Since the earliest prehistoric communities, humans have sought the approval and recognition of others to ensure their survival and prosperity. However, over time, the system of social validation has undergone transformations that have made it potentially toxic.

In early human societies, social recognition was crucial for survival. Being accepted and valued by the group meant having access to resources, protection, and mutual support. Individuals who managed to gain their group’s approval were more likely to survive and reproduce.

The dynamics of social recognition once promoted group cohesion, collaboration, and resource sharing. Hierarchy and status played an important role. Individuals who demonstrated particular skills, such as hunting, gathering, or wisdom, were recognized and respected, often taking on leadership roles. This recognition not only bolstered their standing within the group but also benefited the entire community through effective guidance and wise decisions.

In modern times, however, tangible contributions to the community have given way to the perception of ‘success’ and popularity.

Social recognition is increasingly based on superficial metrics, whoever entertains the most wins, no matter how. The number of interactions on social media has become a marker of personal value. People are incentivized to craft an idealized and often unrealistic image of themselves to gain approval. This leads to a constant search for external validation, which is often fleeting and shallow.

This has created a system where popularity is seen as synonymous with value, regardless of the actual positive impact an individual might have.

Another aspect of modern social validation is material prestige. The ownership of luxury goods, the attainment of high economic status, and the ability to flaunt wealth have become symbols of success. This drives people to measure their self-esteem and the worth of others in terms of material possessions, rather than through meaningful contributions or personal qualities.

This is why it’s important to step back from these toxic modern values. This doesn’t mean isolating oneself, but rather recalibrating.

The human social ego has not evolved enough to handle these dynamics on a large scale, and it suffers deeply as a result. (In fact, this might be the most glaring and widespread psychological issue we’ve ever seen.) People can become so focused on seeking external approval that they lose sight of what truly matters for their well-being. This can lead to a life dominated by appearances rather than substance, resulting in existential emptiness and a loss of authentic identity.

We must find the right balance of social recognition based on the substance of one’s being (authenticity, integrity, ethics, resilience), and on contributions to the community (innovation, collaboration, support, etc.). We will all benefit from it.