What is something you don’t get about human behavior?
Selfies…….WHY! Why is everyone so selfie obsessed I just really don’t get it!
Understanding Human Behavior from a Scientific Perspective
Selfies and Self-perception: Let's take a scientific look at the selfie phenomenon. From the perspective of a chemist, it's intriguing to understand why people are so invested in taking and sharing selfies. This behavior is deeply rooted in human psychology and social dynamics. While individual preferences and motivations differ, there's a common factor: the desire for validation and recognition in a digital age.
Psychologically, selfies serve as gestures of self-appreciation and vanity, but they also function as a form of social currency. People often post selfies to gain likes, shares, and comments from their online community. This social validation can boost one's self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Observations from a Residential Area
Opulence and Negligence: I live in a PG in Greater Noida, a posh area where neighbors proudly flaunt their expensive lifestyles. However, there's a stark contrast that often catches my attention. Wealth on display isn't just about the expensive brands and designer labels; it's also about the lack of consideration for one's surroundings.
For instance, in the mornings, I frequently witness a middle-aged man battling the heat while pulling a rickshaw. Around him are women enjoying their luxurious lives, bargaining harshly with him. These ladies spend thousands on restaurants without second thoughts, but they often squeeze a vegetable seller for a few rupees. This behavior is perplexing from a humanitarian standpoint. If saving a few rupees is a priority, how about being a little more generous to those who struggle?
Reflections on Childhood and Resilience
The Silver Lining in Hardship: Contrastingly, my family was once lower middle class, but not destitute, during my childhood. We rarely ate out or had fancy branded items, but we always had homemade meals and clothes. My mother's skills as a sewer and baker meant that we often had treats and hand-crafted clothes. We learned to make do and embrace independency from a young age.
Adulthood and Independence: As an adult, I had no need for store-bought items because I knew how to create and craft almost everything myself. From cooking and baking to sewing and jewelry making, these skills enabled me to feel rich in talent and know-how, even in a time of strife. Fast forward to today, I still practice and share these skills with others, and I have seen the gap that exists between generations, especially during times of financial hardship.
The digitally connected world of today has transformed how we perceive and interact with money and privilege. Understanding why people behave in certain ways can help us navigate these perplexing human behaviors and perhaps even influence them for the better.