What makes humans thrive on attention?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 9 years ago

   What makes humans thrive on attention?
   
   I have never met a person who wasn't an attention seeker in one way or another. So is the need for attention a basic instinct? Survival? Just for the feel good feelings? Are we taught to seek attention from our peers? Or do we just naturally crave it?

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2. 41

   ChristinSposted 9 years ago

   I think people have different motivations.  Some people excessively crave attention to feel valued; others appreciate attention because it gives them a little confidence boost.  I recently started selling some of my art at festivals again and I have to admit - I love it when people point it out and say it's beautiful or clever or whatever.  It makes me feel good because something I created is giving people a positive reaction; whether or not they purchase something from me.  I love making someone smile or say "ooh pretty" etc.  I guess it's an ego boost to some degree, but as social creatures, we all like to feel we reach others in some way.  I'm an extreme introvert so art and writing are kind of how I express myself, so when people pay attention to that instead of me directly lol - I feel good about it. 
   
   I think to want attention is natural to a degree, because we are not meant to live in isolation, and that to me would be the only way to never receive any attention to anything you do.

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3. 0

   JThomp42posted 9 years ago

   I do not crave attention whatsoever. In school I would take a 0 on any verbal essay/ report. I am very shy and do not crave to be in the spotlight at all. I am fine living my life without any attention being drawn to myself. I avoid these types of situations period. Even in college, if I was called upon I just felt like crawling under my seat. The idea of public speaking actually makes me physically sick. I am fine living in my own little world surrounded by friends and my loved ones. I suppose I am an exception. I really think someone's past has something to do with just wanting to be left alone.  At least I think mine does.

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4. 73

   lone77starposted 9 years ago

   Ego!
   
   Ego is self-concern or looking inward.
   
   The only way out of the suffering caused by Ego is to do what the old Jewish teachings (including authentic Kabbalah) teach, and which Jesus taught -- to love others as ourselves and to wish for them everything they desire, giving up all self-concern.
   
   This is what we need to learn. For some, it will take an entire lifetime. For most, it will take several lifetimes. But every bit of progress can reduce suffering in the world.

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