Do you ever catch yourself obsessing over how many ‘likes’ you get on social media?

You’re not alone.

This fixation isn’t just a quirk—it may actually say a lot about your personality.

Research shows that people who chase after ‘likes’ tend to share certain psychological traits. In fact, there are nine common characteristics that seem to define those hungry for digital approval.

From seeking validation to struggling with perfectionism, the pursuit of ‘likes’ reveals a fascinating intersection of our social media habits and personalities.

Ready to explore what your digital behavior says about you?

1) Validation-seeking

One of the most common traits found in those who are fixated on ‘likes’ on social media is a strong need for validation.

This isn’t just a casual observation, it’s a psychological pattern. The need for validation, or approval from others, is an inherent human trait. But in the digital world, this can manifest as an obsession with social media ‘likes’.

The ‘like’ button serves as a form of instant gratification, a quick ‘pat on the back’ from our peers. It reassures us that we’re liked, approved of, even admired.

But here’s the catch – it can become addictive. The constant need for ‘likes’ can create a cycle where one’s self-worth becomes tied to these digital affirmations.

Next time you find yourself obsessing over the number of ‘likes’, remember – your worth is not determined by a double tap or a thumbs up. It’s far more complex and beautiful than that.

2) Fear of missing out

Here’s a personal confession – I’ve been a victim of FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out.

And it seems, I’m not alone in this.

People who are hooked on getting ‘likes’ often experience a heightened sense of FOMO. It’s that nagging feeling that if you’re not constantly checking your social media, you’re missing out on something important.

I remember spending hours scrolling through my feeds, anxious that I might miss the latest viral meme, the newest trending hashtag, or even the most recent update from my friends.

But here’s what I learned – FOMO can suck the joy out of your real-life experiences. You’re so worried about missing out online that you end up missing out on the world around you.

3) High levels of narcissism

People who are obsessed with ‘likes’ on social media tend to exhibit higher levels of narcissism. This doesn’t mean they’re full-blown narcissists, but they do display traits associated with this personality type.

For instance, they often use social media as a platform to showcase a carefully curated version of their lives. Their posts are typically self-promoting, aimed at portraying them in the best possible light.

People with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to spend more time on social media, post more frequently, and react more intensely to the ‘likes’ they receive.

These traits don’t necessarily mean someone is a narcissist. But it’s important to recognize these patterns and their potential impact on our mental health.

4) Sensitivity to criticism

Those who are preoccupied with getting ‘likes’ on social media usually demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to criticism.

This sensitivity often stems from the fact that they see their social media profiles as an extension of themselves. So, any negative comment or lack of ‘likes’ can feel like a personal attack.

They might find it hard to deal with negative comments, even if they’re constructive. This can result in defensive behavior or even lashing out at the person who made the comment.

It’s essential to remember that not everyone will agree with us or like what we post, and that’s okay. Constructive criticism can help us grow, and it’s important not to take it personally.

5) Low self-esteem

Another trait commonly found in people who are preoccupied with getting ‘likes’ on social media is low self-esteem.

You might think that those who post frequently and get lots of ‘likes’ are brimming with confidence. But in reality, the opposite could be true.

The need for ‘likes’ and online approval can actually stem from a lack of self-confidence. They may use social media as a tool to boost their self-esteem, seeking validation from others to fill a gap in their own self-worth.

It’s important to remember that the number of ‘likes’ you get on a post doesn’t define your value. Self-esteem comes from within, not from the approval of others.

6) Loneliness

This one may tug at your heartstrings a bit. People who are preoccupied with getting ‘likes’ on social media often experience feelings of loneliness.

In the digital age, it’s easy to mistake online connections for genuine relationships. But the truth is, a thousand online ‘friends’ can’t replace the warmth of a single real-life friendship.

For those who rely heavily on ‘likes’, it can be a sign of seeking connection, trying to combat feelings of loneliness through online interactions.

But in the end, it’s important to remember that authentic relationships aren’t built on ‘likes’. They’re built on shared experiences, trust, and genuine affection. 

7) Fear of rejection

I’ve always been a bit of a people-pleaser. I guess it was my way of avoiding conflict and rejection. And this fear spilled over into my social media habits too.

I’d obsess over crafting the ‘perfect’ post, one that was sure to get lots of ‘likes’. But beneath this was the undercurrent of fear – fear that a post with fewer ‘likes’ would mean people didn’t approve of me.

It turns out, this fear of rejection is common among those who are preoccupied with social media ‘likes’. Our online interactions become a battleground where we seek approval and fear disapproval.

But here’s what I learned – rejection is a part of life. Not everyone will ‘like’ you or your posts, and that’s okay. It’s far more important to be authentic than to be universally liked.

8) Perfectionism

Perfectionism is another common trait of those who are preoccupied with getting ‘likes’ on social media.

They might spend hours trying to get the perfect shot, filter it just right, and come up with a witty caption. All in pursuit of creating the ‘perfect’ post that will garner the most ‘likes’.

This relentless pursuit of perfection can be exhausting and can lead to unnecessary stress. Social media is not about presenting a flawless image to the world; it’s about connecting and sharing experiences.

9) Dependence on external validation

At the heart of this preoccupation with ‘likes’ is a deep-seated dependence on external validation.

People who constantly seek ‘likes’ on social media often rely heavily on the approval of others for their sense of self-worth. Each ‘like’ serves as a nod of approval, a validation of their choices, their looks, or their lifestyle.

But here’s the thing – true self-worth comes from within. It’s about knowing your value, regardless of what others think or say. So don’t let your sense of worth be dictated by the number of ‘likes’ you get on a post. You are more than a ‘like’, more than a comment, more than a follower count.

It’s about balance

The world of social media is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it has brought us closer than ever, allowing us to connect with people from all walks of life. On the other, it has left some of us preoccupied with the pursuit of ‘likes’, potentially skewing our sense of self-worth.

This preoccupation can be linked to nine common traits, from the need for validation and fear of rejection to perfectionism and low self-esteem. But it’s crucial to remember – these traits don’t define us.

In the grand scheme of things, ‘likes’ are transient, but our self-worth is enduring.