The power of social media is undeniable. It shapes our choices, sways our opinions, and even dictates our emotions.

But here’s the catch – not everyone reacts to social media the same way. Some of us can scroll through endless feeds without batting an eyelash, while others are easily swayed by every trending hashtag or viral video.

What’s the difference? Psychology points to certain traits that make some of us more susceptible to social media influence.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself impulsively buying something you saw on Instagram, or changing your opinion after reading a Tweet, read on.

I’m going to delve into the seven weak traits that make people more likely to be influenced by what they see on social media.

Short, sharp, and backed by psychology, this article could be a game-changer if you’re looking to understand why you – or someone else – might be easily swayed by the digital world.

After all, knowledge is power. Let’s take back control from that scroll button!

1) FOMO – Fear of missing out

We all know that feeling. The anxiety of not being in the loop, the fear of missing out on something important or fun. That’s FOMO, and it’s a powerful motivator.

According to psychologists, FOMO is a common trait among people who are easily influenced by what they see on social media.

The constant stream of updates, news, and events can make anyone feel like they’re missing something if they’re not online all the time.

This fear drives people to constantly check their social media feeds and can make them susceptible to the influence of what they see there.

So, next time you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or Instagram because you’re afraid you might miss out on something, pause for a moment.

Recognize it for what it is – FOMO – and take a step back. It’s okay to disconnect sometimes. After all, as Dr. Herman reminds us, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”

2) Low self-esteem

Another trait that makes people more susceptible to social media influence is low self-esteem. It’s a tough one to admit, but it’s something I’ve grappled with in the past.

I remember scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone’s seemingly perfect lives, from their picture-perfect vacations to their flawless selfies.

Each time I would compare my life, my looks, and my achievements with theirs, it left me feeling inadequate and insecure.

Studies have found that this is a common pattern among people with low self-esteem.

They are more likely to compare themselves with others and seek validation online, making them more susceptible to the influence of social media.

So remember, everyone’s social media feed is a highlight reel. It doesn’t represent their entire life, just the best parts. And you’re always enough as you are.

3) Need for approval

Who doesn’t crave a little validation now and then? It’s human nature, after all. But did you know that this need for approval can make us more susceptible to social media influence?

When we post something on social media, we often wait for likes, comments, and shares. Each notification gives us a small dopamine rush, reinforcing our behavior and making us crave more of this virtual validation.

Famous psychologist Abraham Maslow, known for his ‘Hierarchy of Needs‘, placed the need for love, affection, and belongingness right at the center of his pyramid. He said, “What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization.”

We often try to validate ourselves by mirroring what’s popular or trending on social media. We fall into the trap of thinking that if we can just get more likes or followers, we’ll feel happier or more fulfilled.

But here’s the raw truth – chasing validation through social media is a never-ending cycle. It’s time we start valuing our self-worth beyond the number of likes and shares we get.

As Maslow suggested, let’s focus on self-actualization – becoming the best version of ourselves for us, not for others to see.

4) Lack of critical thinking

Critical thinking is our ability to analyze, evaluate, and form a judgment. It’s an essential skill, especially in this digital age where information is just a click away. But why does it matter when talking about social media influence?

According to a study, there is a correlation between low critical thinking skills and susceptibility to fake news.

In the context of social media, this means people who don’t question what they see online may easily believe, share, and be influenced by false information.

In my observation, it’s not just fake news. People with low critical thinking skills often accept whatever is popular on social media without questioning.

They follow trends, adopt opinions, and make decisions based on what they see others doing online.

So, next time you come across a viral post or a trending hashtag, take a moment to think critically.

Ask yourself: Is this true? Does this align with my values? What are the potential consequences of sharing or acting on this? A little skepticism goes a long way in protecting ourselves from undue social media influence.

5) Impulsivity

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make impulsive decisions while scrolling through social media?

I certainly have. One minute I’m casually browsing, the next I’m making a purchase from an Instagram ad that caught my eye.

Impulsivity, or acting on a whim without considering the consequences, is another trait that can make us more susceptible to social media influence. It’s that ‘click now’, ‘buy now’ culture that social media platforms thrive on.

In the context of social media, the immediate gratification we get from an impulsive ‘like’, ‘share’, or ‘purchase’ can shape our future behavior, making us more likely to repeat these actions.

So, the next time you feel the urge to click on that ad or share that post instantly, take a moment to pause and reflect. Is this genuinely something you need or want? Or are you simply caught up in the moment?

6) Overconfidence

Now, this one might come as a surprise. Overconfidence? Really? Yes, indeed. While it’s important to have confidence, an excess of it can actually make us more susceptible to social media influence.

Overconfident individuals often believe they’re immune to the effects of social media.

They think they can navigate the digital world without being swayed by what they see. But this overconfidence can blind them to the subtle ways social media shapes our thoughts and actions.

Psychologist David Dunning, known for the Dunning-Kruger effect, states, “The first rule of the Dunning-Kruger club is you don’t know you’re a member of the Dunning-Kruger club.”

This refers to the cognitive bias where people mistakenly assess their ability as much higher than it really is.

So how does this tie into social media? Overconfident people are less likely to question the influence social media has on them, making them an easy target.

A little humility can go a long way. It’s okay to acknowledge that we might be influenced by what we see online. Only by recognizing this can we take steps to mitigate its effects.

7) Conformity

Lastly, the tendency to conform can make us more susceptible to social media influence. It’s the age-old desire to fit in, amplified by the digital world.

Solomon Asch, known for his research on conformity, once said, “Most social acts have to be understood in their setting, and lose meaning if isolated.”

This rings true in the context of social media, where group norms and popular opinion can heavily influence individual behavior.

Conforming isn’t inherently bad, but when it comes to social media, it’s crucial to remember your individuality. Don’t lose your unique voice amidst the noise online.

Parting thoughts

Understanding our susceptibility to social media influence isn’t just about pointing out our weaknesses. It’s about gaining insight into our behavior and using that knowledge to navigate the digital world more consciously.

As we recognize these traits in ourselves, we can take steps to resist undue influence.

Maybe it’s questioning what we see online, taking a moment before we click, or simply acknowledging that it’s okay to step away from the screen sometimes.

So remember, social media is just a tool. It’s not the master of our decisions or the gatekeeper of our self-worth. We have the power to choose what influences us and what doesn’t. And that’s a truly empowering thought.

As you navigate your digital journey, keep these traits in mind. Reflect on them, learn from them, and remember – you’re in control.