When a Like Feels Louder Than a Compliment

You score well in your exams. Your friend says, “I’m proud of you.” But that one Instagram post with the results? It got 300 likes. And somehow, that felt better. In cities big and small, especially in growing Tier 2 towns, this is becoming a pattern—real praise feels quieter than online approval. Why is that?

The Shift From Real to Virtual Validation
Social media taps into a basic human need: to feel seen and appreciated. Earlier, it came from friends, family, teachers, and colleagues. Now, one tap from a stranger—or 50—can flood you with a sense of worth. And the more you post, the more you start measuring your value in numbers.

What’s the Problem With That?
The issue isn’t appreciation—it’s dependency. When the number of likes starts deciding your mood, confidence, or identity, the balance tips. Some young people, especially students and creators, admit to feeling restless when posts don’t perform well. Others say they hold back from doing things offline unless there’s a way to post about it online.

Tier 2 Reality Check
In smaller cities, where opportunities for expression can feel limited, social media offers a stage. And that’s not always bad. It gives local talent reach. It brings attention to small wins. But when a school student in Bhopal feels more validated by a reel than her parents’ hug, something’s off.

Real Praise Hits Different
Here’s the thing—genuine praise comes with context, effort, and emotion. It remembers your struggle, not just your result. A teacher’s appreciation, a parent’s silent pride, or a friend’s thoughtful message may not come with hearts and claps, but they last longer in memory. They’re harder to earn, but far more real.

How to Rebalance the Scale
It starts with awareness. Ask yourself: am I chasing appreciation or chasing numbers? Try putting more weight on what people say to your face than what they tap online. And when someone gives you real praise, pause and absorb it. You don’t need to share it for it to be valid.

Conclusion
Likes are easy. Real praise takes time. One disappears in seconds; the other can stay with you for years. In a world that pushes instant validation, it’s worth slowing down to value the praise that doesn’t trend—but truly matters.