Popularity Polls

Recently, the people whom I've met are obsessed over popularity. And no, they are not celebs. These are people like you and me, who seem to think that being popular is the be all and end all of life. One male friend commented to me that he doesn't seem to be getting any attention from girls, and the slightest thing (e.g. female bank tellers making small talk with him) will boost his ego a hundred miles. Another female relative "casually" mentioned that she "didn't know I was so popular. When I googled my name, so many hits came out - my students all blogged about me!" She was obviously very proud of the fact that there were many "write-ups" about her. Ain't that obvious? Her school and the company are named after her. Duh. I googled my name and only one hit - NUS Hons Alumni Roll. Well, to look on the bright side, that's a positive hit. It signifies some sort of tangible, substantial achievement, and not some gossip about me by people I know, and also not a hit of my own doing. :) For those of you out there thinking this may be self-consolation, let me tell you -- NO. I am just trying to establish why these people are so obsessed over popularity. What is so great about it? I guess popularity is an indicator of the attention that people give to an individual, and to an individual who is seeking attention, that is the ultimate reward. Individuals probably seek attention because they have some form of insecurity - they need to prove something to the world, they want the world to know they exist (in a positive way). Think Steven Lim. I suppose most of us are guilty of it in one way or another, but these people I know have a major case of insecurities and a need to lord it over others. Thus, the comment "oh, I'm so glad that I broke up. Now I have a lot of attention from guys." Is that an insecure person or what. Maybe this is why many celebs who are unable to withstand the fluctuating popularity polls end up overdosing on drugs or hanging themselves.