In a world where opinions are increasingly varied, the need for some sort of validation for our ideas and notions is constantly on the rise. Simultaneously, social media – and the internet at large– is also becoming more prominent in social relations.

More and more people are putting out content in different forms and every other person on the internet automatically becomes a part of the jury that either prosecutes or validates the idea represented by the said content.

This system of justice is gaining more prominence by the day, and the internet which is meant to serve as a tool for unhindered freedom of expression is subtly fulfilling a counterproductive role of letting others dictate what you put out and what what you don’t, in hope of being accepted into the community.

These days, there’s a special social classification based on the number of “approvals” a person accumulates on social media in terms of followers, likes, retweets, etc. Well, there’s nothing wrong with this in itself, but this form of validation has made many folks buy into popular opinions — good or bad, just so they can be ‘in trend’ with the rest of the world. Some even go as far as presenting a false version of themselves that is far from their reality. All of this in a bid to gain society’s approval. A phenomenon sometimes referred to as “clout chasing”.

Why The Numbers Don’t Really Matter

The concept of popularity is largely a game of numbers. Celebrity ranking is based on the amount of following they amass. The metrics reflect public acceptance and approval of their work or what they represent. It is also common to use these numbers as a gauge to measure the level of importance of the person. As a result, many people now pay unnecessary attention to their numbers. But is this a valid way to measure relevance?

Let’s bring it home…

Statistical reports for this blog from Google Analytics in the past month have not really been encouraging when placed side by side with records from previous months. There’s been a relative decline in both the number of visits to the site, as well as engagements with the posts. Well, it doesn’t come as a shock to me. If I’m to be totally honest, I expected it:)

It isn’t getting much organic traction yet, so the regular visitors are those on my personal contact list where I often share the blog posts and the others arrive here, thanks to the generous people who share my posts (I’m super grateful). And as is consistent with novelty, the first few posts got a lot of engagements, but with every subsequent post, the euphoria associated with newness simmered, and fewer and fewer engagements were recorded.

However, the numbers aren’t so much my focus. Of course, it would be nice to have more people on here, and I’m actively working towards expanding the community and all that, but an increased audience isn’t my primary pursuit. I am more concerned about the space fulfilling the very purpose for which it was created – which is simply to share valuable thoughts and lessons that I come across along my life’s journey and hopefully inspire someone while at it. I also regard it as a mini journal, but with public viewing. What matters more to me is that these boxes are ticked on every post I put out. And as much as I get excited with the prospects of growing this little community over time, I am conscious enough not to let the numbers get in the way of the content.

True Validation Comes From Purpose

A little confession…

My style of writing and the type of things I tend to write about don’t fall into any of the very popular niches (I like to believe I don’t have a niche), and I wouldn’t be totally honest if I say I haven’t considered fine-tuning things to gain more traction. However, I decided against it after realizing that I will be doing myself – and you all – a huge disservice by trading my message for popular validation.

For clarity’s sake, I am not saying the numbers aren’t important. Of course, it will be better and more fulfilling to positively impact a million people than just a hundred. The more the merrier. But it becomes a problem when we let the quest for numbers drive our actions. It is a trap that would require you to keep up the faux profile in other to keep the numbers. Sooner or later, it would overwhelm you.

Instead, the things we put out should be a true representation of us and our purpose. That way, you don’t have to make up anything that doesn’t define you, and your fulfillment will be fuller regardless of the numbers. In the words of Richie Norton, “Freedom on the inside comes when validation from the outside doesn’t matter”

“Freedom on the inside comes when validation from the outside doesn’t matter”

– Richie Norton

Validation ≠ Truth

If you read my birthday special blogpost from 2 months ago (22 Things At 22), this point should be familiar. It was number 7 on that list. I also mentioned that there is always some validation for every opinion that exists. This is indeed true in our current society. That an opinion is popular doesn’t make it true. People have bought into certain opinions just because the majority seem to agree with it, without taking out time to vet the authenticity for themselves. Society has blindly accepted some opinions just because some people of supposed influence approve of them.

Needless to say, this has done more harm than good to society. The fact that something is popular or approved by someone of influence doesn’t make it true. Popular opinions shouldn’t be taken hook, line, and sinker. We should be able to seek the truth for ourselves from the right sources. The world would indeed be better off if we all did.