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Why You Crave Approval: Online and Offline
The Science of Social Validation
With likes, shares and retweets to keep track of, it can feel like the need for social validation has never been greater. Social validation is the striving of individuals to gain, or to avoid losing, acceptance and approval from others. It’s an innate drive. Why is that? And is it holding you back?
The Science of Social Validation
Evolutionary Roots
Our ancestors lived in small bands, in which cooperation was key for survival, and acceptance of others within the group meant increased access to resources, protection, and mating opportunities.
Exclusion was punished by ostracism socially, by isolation and, potentially, death. This evolutionary context of our human ancestors has, as their brains have adapted to their social habits, left us with a need to be liked by others. This craving for social validation is understandable and strengthened throughout our generations.
The Brain’s Reward System
When we’re affirmed, the reward centre in the brain swings into overdrive, releasing dopamine. The ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter that floods the system and leaves us feeling good and validated.
