Who Cares

Summary

The article discusses the emotional impact of social media interactions, such as likes and claps, and the importance of not letting these metrics define one's self-worth or creative endeavors.

Abstract

The author reflects on the modern-day challenges of dealing with social media validation, comparing the current landscape to the simpler times of yearbooks and personal notes. They share a personal experience of feeling disheartened by the low engagement on one of their articles, which led to a quest for a "unique key" to success on platforms like Medium. The author concludes that self-worth should not be tied to social media reactions, as these are often beyond one's control. Instead, the focus should be on personal growth and perseverance, regardless of external validation or gossip.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the sting of receiving minimal likes or engagement on social media, indicating a personal struggle with seeking external validation.
There is a sense of disillusionment with the idea that there is a specific formula or "unique key" to garnering attention and success on social media platforms.
The author suggests that the lack of engagement with one's work, such as articles receiving few claps, should not be taken personally and should not deter one from continuing to produce and share content.
The article emphasizes resilience and self-assurance, advocating for readers to rise above the need for social media validation and to focus on their own journey and goals.
The author's mother's perspective on gossip is shared as a means to reframe negative social interactions, suggesting that being talked about can be a form of distraction from one's own issues or a sign of personal growth and change.
The overall message is one of empowerment, encouraging individuals to be themselves, to not concern themselves with the opinions of others, and to persist in their endeavors without apology.

Who Cares

By: Adobe Stock

It can be easier said than done. I know I have personally been there. What am I talking about? The likes on social media, the claps on Medium, the invite you didn’t get with the group to go out, the gossip. It can hit you right in the gut and get you down.

Before social media, we had yearbooks, cards, cast, and other places where friends could leave notes. We are on a much larger scale today with social media. Who cares that you got two likes on the picture perfectly perfected for a little ego stroke? I’ve been there; it stings. How much time are we focusing on what social media click we are in? What could you have been doing to get ahead?

A few days ago, I was here on Medium and noticed one of my articles only had two claps. I panicked; what was I doing wrong? I must be boring right? I started looking around the site, reading others’ works, and trying to find the unique key. There isn’t one. My work is my work, and that’s it. I read another article here where someone talked about how stories can be buried, and they may not get seen. This made me feel a little better. It has given me the courage to keep trying!

Before now, if we didn’t get an invite to someone’s party, event, road trip, and so on, we may have found out later through gossip. With social media, we are sure to see the photos. Man, what a punch in the gut. Even if you didn’t want to go wouldn’t have been nice to have been asked.

Here’s my speech on gossip. My mother used to say if they are talking about you, they’re leaving someone else alone. I only understood that once I got older. I have no control over what others think or say about me, nor do you. Hey, maybe they are doing themself a favor by talking about you. You may be saving them from looking at how miserable their life is. Let them speak, and don’t react; you win.

My point is, who gives a rat’s as* if asked — somehow, the Universe is saving you from something. Rise and be you, and don’t give a crap what anyone thinks. Get where you want to be, and don’t be sorry! Don’t take it personally when no one looks at your work. Keep trudging, my dear friend; you will get there!