Obsession of Being Liked

Movies and sitcoms can present characters who exemplify a way of life to be avoided. One notable character in the sitcom How I Met Your Father was the thirteen-year-old influencer known as Rivka Rebel who was constantly live streaming and wouldn’t take photos with amateurs or pose for pictures. She had a constant obsession with “likes” and making sure things were presented well for her audience. Her rudeness and self-centeredness were motivated by her need to promote her brand (season 1, episode 7, “Rivka Rebel,” aired February 22, 2022, on Hulu). Sure, Rivka was also a teenager who dealt with the pressure of people liking her and being accepted, but for all of us there is a larger question of promoting ourselves and the monetization of our lives.