Why do people care about what others think about them?

[HouseMoat]

[dynamicyandere]

Humans are social creatures. We’re not solitary like tigers in the jungle or large in the ocean. We live in communities. That’s how societies and civilizations have evolved.


There’s an evolutionary advantage to living and working together in communities — we can achieve more and survive longer.



When studying for my psychology degree, I was introduced to Maslow’a hierarchy of needs — where love and belonging is listed as a fundamental human need.


This need has been ingrained in us so that whether we like it or not, the desire to belong will always be a part of us.



But, as @Joshydavid25 mentioned, some people get carried away and let it take control of them.


For example, the desire for food may be natural. However, if one isn’t careful, they can develop an addiction to food or they can develop some other unhealthy relationship with food (e. g. bulimia). Things can devolve into a full-blown mental health disorder.


The same can happen with our need to belong.


That too can spiral out of control if we don’t manage it correctly.


The mental states of many people online have deteriorated due to them perceiving the thoughts/opinions/judgements of strangers with much more importance than they should.


It’s good to know how to integrate with a society — but it’s equally as important to possess the mental fortitude to be self-sufficient.

[dynamicyandere]

large sharks in the ocean* 🦈

[NathanDavis]

that's human nature... and we wouldn't have made it here without it

[IslaTheWitch]

We seek acceptance, so we want to be seen positively.

There is also the case of previous experiences and self-esteem.

In my case, I live in two different worlds. At work, I don't really care how others see me or think about me. We are data-driven, so our discussions are short. We present data and decide what is the best.

In my private life, I'm the ball of insecurities, so some opinions of other people matter to me. :D

[petitedollbabee]

It’s human nature to want to be accepted by those around you. So ofcourse most people will care about what people think of them. Most people don’t want to feel as if they’re an outsider.

[Joshydavid25]

Humans are made to socialize with each other.. It's only natural that you care at least a little bit of what other people think of you.. Some of us let it consume us and ruin our days though..

[eastcoastgirlie]

I think people are just looking for acceptance. I know that is why I care what other people think about me.

[tbk83]

Imagine they wouldn't. People would behave like total assholes all the time, everyone would hate everyone else and no one would voluntarily help anyone.

[BLP11520]

Human nature to want acceptance even though it’s not necessary to be happy with yourself

[sheikalana]

They're looking for validation.

[Anonymous]

I don't know. I never did. They are insecure

[Anonymous]

That's very normal in my opinion.

[ThrillSeeker01]

Insecurity.

[jahaims]

They are insecure