Why was I so anxious?
It was Sunday night. I’d just spent an amazing weekend with my 15-month old girl. And yet, as I lay down to sleep, my heart felt as tangled as five strands of Christmas lights.
Then it hit me. I’d posted a picture on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter hours earlier and before I went to bed I’d checked my phone to see the stats.
One Like. On my freaking-funny-picture with a caption worthy of Conan O’Brien.
I was so anxious because I hadn’t received enough thumbs-up to send me to bed. And at that moment I realized something: I have a serious problem.
Validation-addict
I’m addicted: to Likes, retweet’s, hearts, visits to my website. Social media had become my cocaine. Validation from the masses was my opium. Google Analytics was my high.
Tell me I’m cool. Tell me I’m funny. Please, someone Like me.
Sure, in the beginning a couple RT’s and Likes were enough. But quickly I needed a bigger hit. My highs and lows throughout the day were based on how many people had affirmed me.
To read the rest of this article, head over to Relevant Magazine where I have the honor of being featured. I really, really hope you’ll “Like” the article.
Amazing article!
I absolutely love your frankness! To be honest, I think that it is just that element of honesty that makes it difficult to sell in a very superficial-hypocritical society.
I really wish you all the best and whatever you decide to do, please do not shut down this blog. It is one of the few “real” things out there that some of us look forward to indulging in.
Cheers:)!
Wow. Thank you Jacqui for the kind words and perspective. All Groan Up is definitely here to stay, especially if I keep receiving such validating comments like this 🙂
I’m validating you- happy? lol
But in all seriousness, I love that quote “Social media is like high school all over again.” It’s so true! We want to be cool. We want the “popular kids” on Twitter to notice us and give us a RT. It’s crazy.
Working with teenagers I’m reminded again and again that insecurity doesn’t stop when you are done with adolescence. We adults just hide it better.
“Insecurity doesn’t stop when you are done with adolescence. We adults just hide it better.”
Wisdom in comment form. So good Emmy. Thank you.