Experts explained the reasons for bragging on social networks

The desire to demonstrate success, expensive purchases and achievements is inherent in humans by evolution, but in the era of social networks, this mechanism has become the reason for constant self-comparison with others and dependence on public approval. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The evolutionary roots of bragging

Evgenia Bereza, a clinical psychologist, specialist in psychosomatics and oncopsychology, explained that the need to demonstrate achievements is conditioned by evolution. The desire for social recognition and status increases a person's chances of choosing a partner and procreating. In biology, this is called an expensive signal, a sign of resource availability that cannot be faked.

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Previously, the status was emphasized by physical strength or pedigree, but today the forms of presentation are career, appearance and the number of subscribers. According to the psychologist, this is a modern implementation of an ancient survival mechanism that helps individuals stand out from competitors.

Markers of well-being

Arseniy Snedkov, CEO of the Enjoy Digital media group, believes that today's appearance has become the main signal of success, surpassing even luxury brands. Important attributes are considered to be a healthy smile with veneers, clean skin and traces of plastic manipulation. Brands don't just use these requests, but also generate demand for the social status enhancement industry themselves.

According to the expert, accessories and cars fade into the background, skipping ahead to work on their own appearance. Brands first create a need to increase a person's importance in society, and then release specific products based on this request.

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Causes of envy and criticism

Social media has turned the process of comparing oneself with others into a continuous cycle. Birch notes that algorithms encourage the publication of only highlights, creating cognitive distortion. People have the illusion that others are always more successful and richer, while work, tears and sleepless nights remain behind the scenes.

The boundary between healthy presentation and addiction lies in the source of self-esteem. If a person reacts painfully to the lack of likes, his self-esteem becomes externally conditioned. This leads to envy and attempts to devalue someone else's success through malicious comments, which indicates an inner sense of inferiority.

The psychologist emphasizes the importance of developing inner support and self-worth in people, especially children. It must be remembered that social media shows a carefully edited version of reality that does little to reflect a person's daily life and real efforts.