Mental health professionals across India are raising alarms about a growing phenomenon that's quietly damaging psychological well-being: blind adulation on social media platforms. This concerning trend involves excessive, often unrealistic praise that creates distorted perceptions of reality among both content creators and their followers.
The Psychology Behind Digital Adulation
According to Dr. S Kalyanasundaram, Senior Professor at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), the problem runs deeper than casual compliments. "When appreciation becomes blind adulation, it stops being genuine," he explains. This artificial validation creates what experts call a "false sense of self" where individuals begin measuring their worth through likes and comments rather than real-world achievements.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Preeti S Galagali emphasizes how this phenomenon affects young minds specifically. "Teenagers and young adults are particularly vulnerable to this artificial validation," she notes. The constant stream of exaggerated praise creates unrealistic expectations about their capabilities and appearance, often leading to severe disappointment when reality doesn't match their curated online image.
The Impact on Content Creators and Followers
The consequences of this digital admiration culture are twofold. For content creators, the pressure to maintain their "perfect" image becomes overwhelming. Many experience anxiety, depression, and identity crises when they cannot live up to the idealized versions of themselves they've presented online.
For followers and consumers of this content, the effects are equally damaging. Constant exposure to heavily praised but unrealistic content creates:
- Distorted beauty standards and lifestyle expectations
- Unhealthy comparison with curated online personas
- Decreased self-esteem and increased insecurity
- Difficulty forming genuine real-world relationships
Dr. Galagali observes that many young people now believe the admiration they receive online translates directly to their real-world value. This dangerous equivalence between digital validation and personal worth is creating what some experts term as "social media identity dependency."
Moving Toward Healthier Digital Interactions
Mental health experts suggest several strategies to combat this growing concern. The primary recommendation involves developing critical thinking skills when consuming social media content. Users should learn to distinguish between genuine appreciation and performative praise.
Dr. Kalyanasundaram advocates for digital literacy programs that teach young users how to navigate social media spaces safely. "Understanding that social media presents a curated, often exaggerated version of reality is crucial for maintaining mental health," he emphasizes.
For content creators, experts recommend:
- Maintaining a clear separation between online persona and real identity
- Seeking validation from real-world achievements and relationships
- Taking regular digital detox breaks to reconnect with reality
- Building a support system outside social media platforms
The mental health community agrees that while social media platforms offer valuable connection opportunities, blind adulation creates psychological vulnerabilities that can have long-term consequences. As digital spaces continue evolving, developing healthier interaction patterns becomes increasingly vital for collective mental well-being.
Experts conclude that the solution lies not in abandoning social media, but in fostering more authentic, balanced interactions that recognize the humanity behind every profile. Genuine appreciation that acknowledges both strengths and imperfections represents the healthiest path forward in our increasingly digital world.
