By Samaila Aisha Dahuwa
In today’s digital world, it is easy to mistake fleeting online validation for genuine achievement. With every like, share, and comment, young minds are increasingly pulled away from critical thinking and deeper reflections on life’s true purpose. Society’s celebration of influencers and viral sensations has now normalized the dangerous idea that recognition through digital media and applause is the ultimate measure of success.
As a result, many young people now chase the illusion of fame, investing their time and energy into building an online persona at the expense of personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. This obsession with surface-level recognition has not only distracted many from pursuing meaningful goals, but it has also distorted the true definition of success.
Naturally, it is easy to assume that more likes, followers, and views mean greater success. Forgetting that a person may have millions of followers yet make little or no meaningful impact on the people , society, and world around them as likes can be bought, engagement can be faked, and popularity can be very much fleeting.
True success is not defined by digital footprints. Rather, it is measured by the impact we create, the knowledge we share, and the integrity with which we live our lives. It is about shifting perspectives, inspiring action or change, and improving the lives of others. It is creating something greater and more meaningful that outlives trends and transcends mere algorithms.
Success is more than achievement. It includes personal fulfillment, meaning, happiness, and the contribution we make to our communities. It is more than just social media likes, it is waking up content with who you are, proud of the life you lead, and confident that your actions have a greater purpose and value.
Unfortunately, social media has turned many of us into spectators, constantly scrolling, liking, and commenting, while equating online attention with real-world success. Yes, in the world we live in today, it is tempting to chase these validations or measure self-worth by how many people are watching rather than by what we are actually achieving.
However, offline feedback, verbal gratitude, or a heartfelt thank-you often carries far more authenticity and meaning than all of that. True success often reveals itself in ways that cannot be captured by metrics but rather by the relationships that we build, the minds we influence, and the lives we touch.
When success is rooted in purpose, personal growth, and contribution, it becomes deeply satisfying even if it is not widely recognized or applauded by the digital media.
One might argue that numerical metrics can offer tangible proof of progress, however they do not capture the full essence of a meaningful life. Non-numerical achievements such as mentoring others, strengthening communities, or even solving real-world problems create legacies that endure the test of time.
Overall, success is an individual journey shaped by our principles, our objectives, and aspirations. It is not about how many people know our name. It is about how many lives we uplift, how much good we spread around us, and whether or not we achieve what we set out to do in the first place in line with our values.
Remember, likes may be loud, but not withstanding as impact speaks even louder and for way much longer. In a world that is obsessed with clicks, likes, and recognition, choosing impact over being simply viral is the boldest and most lasting achievement. Real success lies not in how many people see you, but in how many people you genuinely help, inspire, and uplift.
At the end of the day, all that matters is whether you achieved what you set out to achieve, as everything else such as the likes, the applause and the follower counts is nothing but mere smoke and mirrors.
Therefore , we should seek fulfillment through passion and real service not just eye service. Through projects that we are passionate about rather than just seeking viral attention and validation from social media . As no matter how famous or popular you are today , there is always the next big thing and it is only a matter of time before social media forgets you but the impact you make on people will forever stand the test of time.
