Joining In The Viral Trend Is A Sign Of Lack Of Confidence?

Illustration following a viral (Freepic) trend

JAKARTA - Following the viral trend is now part of people's culture, especially in the digital era that allows information to spread quickly. However, not a few people who do it only seem relevant or accepted by their social environment.

Clinical psychologist from the University of Indonesia Applied Psychology Institute (LPTUI), Anna Surti Ariani, S.Psi., M.S., explained that this phenomenon could be a sign of a lack of self-confidence.

Trends that go viral on social media often influence many people to join in. This is often associated with Fear of Missing Out (PHMO), or fear of being left behind from other people.

"Sometimes it's because I'm afraid of being left behind from other people, but often this also reflects a lack of confidence. This lack of confidence problem can be categorized as a mental disorder," said Anna Surti Ariani, when interviewed in Jakarta on Thursday.

Furthermore, this psychologist who is familiarly called Nina added that following a viral trend can also show other mental problems, such as a tendency to always please others.

"Another mental problem that may arise is the pleasing others, where a person is more focused on pleasing others than listening to what he really needs. In fact, if the trend is dangerous, some people still do it because they have a high need for challenges. However, this can also be an indication of mental disorders," he explained, as quoted by ANTARA.

Nina also warns that following a viral trend without thinking can open up opportunities for someone to do negative things that harm others or the environment. One example is the act of damaging public facilities carried out by individuals with social problems.

In addition, the habit of following a trend without stopping also has the potential to cause addiction. If this addiction is left untreated, the effect can be dangerous for both these individuals and those around them. Nina suggests that those who are addicted need professional assistance, such as clinical psychologists or psychiatrists who have expertise in psychotherapy.

"The approach by those closest to you is very important to help those who are addicted to follow a viral trend in order to seek professional assistance. You can do this by showing the negative impact of this habit, such as skipping school, not working, or even endangering yourself or others," said Nina.

Following the latest trends can indeed be a way to adapt to changing times, but it is important to do so with full awareness. Understanding personal boundaries and personal needs is the key not to get caught up in a detrimental pattern.