LessWrong (Curated & Popular) [Linkpost] “Social Anxiety Isn’t About Being Liked” by Chipmonk
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Jun 1, 2025 Explore the surprising motivations behind social anxiety, shifting the focus from seeking approval to avoiding disapproval. It highlights how individuals often limit their social interactions out of fear of negative judgment, revealing a nuanced understanding of their behaviors. Delve into the concept of risk aversion, emphasizing that it's not merely about wanting to be liked, but rather a strategy to prevent dislike. This fresh perspective invites listeners to rethink their approach to social situations and challenge their own anxieties.
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Social Anxiety Avoids Dislike
- Social anxiety is not about seeking to be liked, but rather about avoiding being disliked.
- Social anxiety behaviors aim to minimize risk of negative judgments rather than maximize social approval.
Avoiding Conflict Over Being Liked
- Socially anxious people shrink, take fewer risks, and maintain less agency to avoid conflict or rejection.
- Avoiding being disliked feels safer than trying and failing to be liked.
Social Anxiety as Risk Aversion
- Social anxiety is a form of risk aversion focused on avoiding negative outcomes.
- People prefer safe, predictable options rather than risking potential rewards that might lead to failure or rejection.
