We all know them – those peeps who flood our social media feeds with their seemingly endless stream of good deeds.

But what’s the real motivation behind their actions? Is it simply for the validation of likes and comments, or is there a deeper underlying reason?

While it’s easy to dismiss these individuals as attention-seekers, the truth is often more nuanced than meets the eye. Behind their online persona lies a complex web of motivations.

And guess what? These individuals tend to exhibit a set of distinct characteristics – eight, to be precise.

In this article, we’ll explore these traits, shedding light on a pattern you may have observed but couldn’t quite articulate.

So, are you ready? Let’s dive straight in and uncover the truth.

1) They crave validation

Let’s be real. We all crave validation to some extent. It’s human nature. But with these folks, it’s a bit more pronounced.

I once knew a person who would volunteer at a local shelter every weekend. A noble act, no doubt.

But then, without fail, there’d be a post about it on Facebook or Instagram. A picture of them serving food or playing with the kids.

It wasn’t just about doing good for them. It was also about getting that pat on the back from their online community.

2) Their self-esteem is tied to their online image

This is closely linked to the first point. Their self-esteem is heavily influenced by their online persona.

I remember a friend who started a fundraiser for a cause she was passionate about. She ran a successful campaign and raised a substantial amount of money.

But what was interesting was her reaction when one of her posts didn’t get as many likes as usual. She started questioning if people didn’t care about her cause anymore or if they were losing interest in her.

The reality? People were probably busy or just didn’t see the post. But for her, it felt like a direct hit to her self-esteem.

3) They are often extroverts

Research has shown that extroverts are more likely to share their personal experiences on social media, compared to introverts. This includes sharing their good deeds.

Extroverts tend to seek stimulation from their environment, and what better way to do that than sharing their experiences with a wide audience and receiving immediate feedback?

So, it’s no surprise to find that many people who post their good deeds on social media usually fall into the extrovert category.

4) They genuinely want to inspire others

Amid all the skepticism, it’s important to remember that not all intentions are self-serving. Some people truly want to make a difference in the world.

They believe that by sharing their good deeds, they can inspire others to do the same. Their posts are not just about showcasing their actions, but about spreading positivity and hope.

Their aim is to create a ripple effect of kindness, one post at a time.

5) They are natural storytellers

This one hits close to home for me. I’ve always been captivated by a good story, and I have a few friends who are natural storytellers. They have a knack for turning even the simplest of events into engaging narratives.

One such friend is always involved in community service. He has a unique way of documenting his experiences on social media.

It’s not just about posting a photo with a brief caption. No, he narrates his entire day, sharing every little detail.

The stories are so compelling that they draw you in. You feel like you’re right there, experiencing it all with him.

And honestly, it’s hard not to be inspired by his posts. It goes to show that some people share their good deeds because they simply love to tell stories.

6) They are tech-savvy

In the digital age, being tech-savvy comes with its perks. Those who are comfortable with technology tend to use social media platforms more and thus are more likely to share their activities, including their good deeds.

They know how to leverage social media algorithms to ensure their posts reach a wider audience. They understand the power of hashtags, the right time to post, and how to engage with their followers.

Their good deeds often get more visibility simply because they know how to navigate the online world.

7) They are highly empathetic

Empathy is often a driving force behind acts of kindness. People who frequently post their good deeds on social media often have a high level of empathy.

They feel deeply for others and are moved to help in any way they can. Their posts usually reflect this empathy, showing not just the act itself but the emotions behind it.

I remember a colleague who would always post about her visits to the local nursing home. Her posts were filled with stories about the residents, their struggles, their joys, and how they touched her heart.

It was clear that her acts of kindness were driven by her deep sense of empathy.

8) They may be seeking a sense of purpose

We all want our lives to have meaning and purpose. For some, sharing their good deeds on social media gives them a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

It’s as if every like, comment or share validates that they are making a difference in someone’s life.

I’ve had conversations with people who admit that seeing the impact of their actions online gives them a sense of purpose. It encourages them to continue doing good deeds, knowing that they are contributing positively to society.

The social media samaritans

It’s evident that the digital age has blurred the lines between genuine altruism and performative benevolence. These eight traits paint a complex picture of our motivations in a world constantly watched by an online audience.

At the core, this reflection isn’t meant to diminish the value of helping others or sharing positivity. Instead, it invites us to introspect and question our intentions.

Are we contributing to a culture of depth and authenticity, or are we getting lost in the superficiality of likes and shares?

Let’s strive for a balance where we can leverage the immense power of social media to inspire genuine change, without losing the essence of true kindness that comes from within.

After all, the most impactful deeds are often those that go unseen, carried out not for applause but for the sheer desire to make a difference in the world.