Transform Shame into Motivation, Not Escape

Shame can serve as motivational fuel for self-improvement. When individuals feel shame about their appearance, status, or failures, this emotion can drive them to take corrective actions, such as working out or seeking employment, to overcome the feelings that provoke shame. However, contemporary society offers alternatives to confronting shame, primarily through escapism. Unlike previous generations, today’s individuals often choose to avoid dealing with shame by seeking virtual friendships or expressing resentment online instead of addressing the root of their feelings. This shift dilutes the potential positive outcomes that confronting shame could generate.