Good & Bad Popularity

What are the good and bad aspects of popularity, and when is popularity seeking shallow, and perhaps damaging?

Analysis of Popularity

Humans are social animals (most anyway), and popularity (or social status) has been a survival tool since modern humans have existed, so at least a couple of hundred thousand years. In tribal groups, high-status or popular individuals had better access to resources, mates, and protection. So, it’s very understandable why so many people are so strongly motivated to attain popularity. It’s a deep evolutionary desire and motivation. You could say it’s a survival instinct. However, because it’s instinctual, it’s also primitive.  

When seeking popularity is shallow

Seeking popularity for its own sake is almost always shallow, but the depth depends entirely on why you want it and what you’re willing to trade for it.

If popularity is gained for unintentional reasons, then it’s not shallow. For example, if someone is naturally highly extroverted and agreeable with a strong interest in people, then popularity will come easy. Popularity may also come as a consequence of being well known or famous. It may also result of someone doing a moral act.

It basically comes down to priorities. Is popularity the motivator, or is it a side effect? This is similar to seeking happiness. Seeking happiness is a shallow pursuit. However, living a type of life that results in happiness is very different.

The negative effects on people?

Friends or people can hold us back and limit us with their borrowed and contagious views and opinions. Wanting to fit into a group and conform for the sake of popularity could result in short-term shallow popularity. However, that popularity will be hollow and brittle. It will not have a good foundation, and therefore, more unstable. This is when it becomes damaging.

Because of the way ideas and thoughts can be contagious, it can prevent us from discovering ourselves and reaching our potential. Often, people will assume collective beliefs are true without questioning them. This includes the idea of the importance of popularity, and how to attain it.

Is popularity a shallow pursuit?

If it’s the primary motivator or pursuit, then yes it is. It’s also basic and primitive. An overwhelming desire for popularity leads to selfish acts, impulsive pleasure-seeking and generally instant gratification.

If it’s a secondary motivator, a result of living a moral and meaningful life, and a life that pursues its interests and passions, then, it’s not shallow, it becomes a great side effect.

Evolution

In wealthy countries, tribalism is becoming less important. It’s not needed to survive and prosper in the same way. Individuals can achieve more by themselves with the right knowledge and skills. I believe the instinct of tribalism and popularity will decline in future generations.