170) I Used To Only Do It For The Likes

Marrakech, Morocco

"We've all felt it, and we've all probably given in. The urge to post something for the sole reason it may get a lot of likes is powerful indeed," Podcast, Really Really Badly, talk about it in their episode, Social Media Pt. 2: Doing it For the Likes. "But is it something we even really care about? If so, why? If not, then why do we do it so often?"

I admit it. I feel happy whenever I receive many likes on my social media post.

I used to upload a photo or video for the sake of trying to get many likes. (I was only aiming for attractive women to like each post.) I tried to post every day. Because I believed I will get many likes. (It worked sometimes.) I needed instant gratification. (Call it a dopamine-effect.)

Whenever attractive women liked a post, it made me feel excited. (She liked my post. I have a chance.) I decided to direct message them (by sliding into their DM). They would reply to my message. But I was not able to take at least one out for a date. It happens. Respect the lady.

​Doing it for the likes used to be my number one priority in life. Because I was seeking validation and attention to others.

Also, doing it for the likes was a habit. I never realized and acknowledged it, until my friend told me about how much time an average social media user spends every day.

"According to the survey, internet users are now spending an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes per day on social networking and messaging platforms," Saima Salim writes about it on her blog post. 

Simon Sinek's book, ​Leaders Eat Last:  Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't, explains about habits. It is impossible to completely remove habits. But it is being able to replace them. For instance, my friend has already limited his phone usage. He only checks social media through his laptop. He also monitors his phone's screen time daily.

I still receive a few likes on my social media. (It is okay.) I do not feel pressured anymore to post a photo or video. I feel patient now. I used to take a picture and upload it immediately. I had a fear of missing out. Because the photo might lose its importance. (The newer the photo, the better the moment.)

Now, I share photos or videos whenever I feel like it.

​When I receive a like on my social media, I still feel happy. (We are human. We have feelings.)

When I discover somebody reading my blog, I feel more appreciated (and more touched). That's a like! Yuh.

For instance, I ran into an old high school classmate at gym. I have not seen him in a while. He had read one of my blog entries. It was my trip to the Philippines.

​"Thank you. I appreciate it," I told him as I patted his back.

I have nothing against social media. I use it as a tool now. Social media has helped me to sell "stuff" and share blog. Also, I document and share my hike life on Instagram. Feel free to join me in the journey. (It's not always about me.)

Social media has its pros and cons. My purpose in social media is to network and connect with people.

I sell stuff on FB Marketplace. I declutter my room. And I either sell or donate the stuff. I look for free stuff nearby (through Craigslist or neighborhood) so I can sell it. If I am not able to sell it within a month, I donate it to Goodwill. I tell my buyers about it too.

One of my buyers told me he is a sport film producer on rugby. Another one is recently divorced. He found his wife having an affair with his friend when he came back home from the military in Afghanistan. I went on a hike with one of my buyers too.

Last week, I helped my Uncle's client declutter her home. (My Uncle is a realtor and broker.) I grabbed her BBQ grill, cabinets, and TV stand. I am in the process of becoming a realtor.

​It makes sense too. I continue to declutter, sell, reuse, and donate. And to network and connect with people.

Thank you, social media. Courtesy from high-speed internet.