We all know them. Those folks who seem to live their lives through the lens of social media, always ready to document their good deeds for the world to see. But have you ever wondered what drives them?

I’ve noticed a few common traits among these social media Samaritans. And no, it’s not all about vanity or fishing for likes.

In my observation, people who consistently broadcast their good deeds on social media share eight specific qualities. This isn’t an attempt to criticize or judge them, but rather to understand what makes them tick.

So, let’s dive in and explore these characteristics together, shall we?

1) A need for validation

We all have an innate need for validation. It’s a fundamental part of human psychology. However, for those who predominantly do good deeds for social media likes, this need can be more pronounced.

As a mindfulness practitioner, I’ve come to understand the underlying desires that drive our actions. And craving for validation can be a powerful motivator.

In the realm of social media, likes equate to validation. Each like is a nod of approval, a virtual pat on the back. For these individuals, their acts of kindness become a vehicle to gather these much-needed affirmations.

It’s important not to judge but rather to empathize with this need. After all, we all seek validation in one way or another. The key lies in finding balance and understanding that self-worth should never hinge solely on external approval.

2) The desire to inspire

Another trait I’ve often observed in people who share their good deeds on social media is a genuine desire to inspire others. They hope that their actions might encourage someone else to pay it forward, thereby creating a ripple effect of kindness.

While some may argue that these deeds should be done quietly without any fanfare, these individuals believe that publicizing their actions can lead to more good being done in the world.

I’m reminded of a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, who once said, “Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature.”

In essence, what we put out into the world is a reflection of our inner selves. And for those sharing their good deeds on social media, their ‘signature’ is one of kindness and compassion.

3) Craving recognition

Let’s get real for a moment. Some people who constantly share their good deeds on social media do so because they crave recognition. It’s not the most flattering quality, but it’s an honest one.

In Buddhism, this craving is a form of attachment, which is seen as the root cause of suffering. They say that when we become attached to things like praise and recognition, we set ourselves up for disappointment because these things are transient and ultimately unsatisfying.

It’s a challenging concept to grasp in our social media-driven world. But understanding this can help us develop compassion for those who seem addicted to the ‘like’ button. After all, aren’t we all just looking for ways to feel valued and appreciated?

4) Lack of mindfulness

Let’s face it, constantly broadcasting good deeds on social media can sometimes indicate a lack of mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, fully engaged in whatever we are doing without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It’s about truly experiencing every aspect of our lives, including our acts of kindness.

However, when someone is always thinking about how to frame their good deed for social media, they might be missing out on the genuine joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others.

They might be more focused on how the act will be perceived by others than on the act itself.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that they don’t derive any pleasure from their good deeds. But their constant quest for external validation could cause them to miss out on the deeper, more meaningful experiences that come with mindfulness.

5) Living with a sense of ego

In my journey of understanding human behavior, I’ve observed that those who continually share their good deeds on social media are often driven by a strong sense of ego. They feel the need to project a certain image of themselves to the world.

The ego isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s part of who we are. But when it dominates our actions and decisions, it can lead to suffering and dissatisfaction. It’s a concept I delve into in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

In the book, I discuss how Buddhism teaches us to transcend the ego and live authentically. It encourages us to let go of the need for validation and approval, and instead find satisfaction and contentment within ourselves.

For someone always seeking likes for their good deeds, understanding this concept can be truly liberating. It’s not about stopping the good deeds, but about finding joy in them beyond social media recognition.

After all, the true reward lies in the act itself, not in the number of likes it gets.

6) Fear of being unseen

It’s a stark truth but one that needs addressing. Some people who incessantly post their good deeds on social media do so out of a deep-seated fear of being unseen or forgotten.

In our digitally-connected world, we can sometimes confuse visibility with significance. We start believing that if we’re not constantly seen or acknowledged, especially on social platforms, it means we don’t matter. It’s a fear that drives many to seek validation through likes and shares.

Buddhist teachings remind us that our worth isn’t determined by external recognition. Mindfulness encourages us to find peace and contentment within ourselves, irrespective of external factors.

It’s not an easy journey, but it’s one that leads to greater self-awareness and inner peace. Recognizing our fears and confronting them is the first step towards overcoming them. And isn’t that what personal growth is all about?

7) The illusion of control

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: those constantly sharing their good deeds on social media may be doing so because they’re caught up in an illusion of control. They believe that by controlling how others perceive them, they can control their own self-worth.

However, as anyone familiar with Buddhist teachings would know, this is a futile pursuit. As the famous Buddhist monk, Pema Chödrön, once said, “You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather.”

This quote beautifully encapsulates the Buddhist view of self. We are not defined by the transient happenings around us (the weather), but by our enduring essence (the sky).

You see, the ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ on social media are just like the weather, changing and unpredictable. Trying to control them is as futile as trying to control the weather itself.

Realizing this can be a powerful awakening. It can free us from the endless cycle of seeking validation through social media and help us find true contentment within ourselves.

8) A deep sense of empathy

Now, hear me out on this – it might seem a bit off at first, but trust me, it’s worth considering. Despite what you might think about folks who share their acts of kindness on social media, there’s often a strong undercurrent of empathy running through them.

Sure, they might be craving a bit of validation or a pat on the back for their efforts. But let’s not overlook the fact that they’re still out there doing good deeds. They’re extending a helping hand and making a real difference in someone else’s life. And that takes a serious dose of empathy.

You see, mindfulness isn’t just about tuning into our own feelings; it’s also about tapping into the emotions of those around us. It nudges us toward empathy and compassion.

So before we write off these social media Samaritans as attention-seekers, let’s give credit where it’s due – to their genuine capacity for empathy and kindness.

Finding authenticity beyond the screen

To those who find themselves caught in the trap of only doing good deeds for social media validation, remember that true kindness and compassion come from the heart, not from the number of likes or shares.

While social media can be a powerful platform for spreading positivity, it’s essential to examine the intentions behind our actions.

Take a moment to reflect on why you feel compelled to share your acts of kindness online. Are you seeking validation or genuinely wanting to make a difference?

Consider shifting your focus from external validation to the intrinsic satisfaction of helping others. Engage in acts of kindness that resonate with you on a personal level, regardless of whether they make it to your social media feed. 

If you’re interested in delving deeper into these concepts, especially around ego and mindfulness, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

It offers insight into how we can lead impactful lives without being driven by our egos.

At the end of the day, our actions – whether they’re shared on social media or not – reflect who we are. And understanding ourselves is the first step towards living more authentically and mindfully.