6 days ago
21 People Call Out Performative Fake Behaviors
We could all use more genuine moments in this world. But as humans, we can't help but perform in a way for whatever reason — for show, an ego boost, pride, etc. Plus, social media doesn't make it easier. A Redditor asked, calling this out: "Be honest. What's one thing people do that's purely performative, but they act like it isn't?" Responses rolled in, and it was a flood of things we've probably seen across social media and in real life. Here's what people had to say:
"Anything on LinkedIn."
"Posting on social media on Mother's Day/Father's Day/any other holiday about how much they appreciate a certain person, when that person is not even on that social media platofrm."
—EssentiaLillie"It means so much more to me when people send me a text on my birthday. And it's almost hurtful when my close friends and family post on social media, but DON'T call or text me directly. It's like, who is this really for?"—MisfitAsAFiddle"Happy 127th Birthday, Grandpa!"—Prudent-Aide5263
"Humblebragging. Even when it seems natural, people still try to look as intelligent and competent as possible."
"Posting about how selfless and charitable they are on social media."
"Performative social media posts about how wonderful their marriage is. I believe they've actually done studies on this — the more someone posts about their perfect marriage or family, it actually means the relationship is unstable."
—AdultingUser47
"Pretending they were close to someone once they die. That performative, 'She lit up the room and I miss her every day,' when they hadn't spoken in 30 years, and only then in passing, is 100% BS."
"Posting a picture of themselves in the ER or hospital, but with no other information whatsoever."
"Literally everything related to being an 'alpha.'
—HawkBoth8539
"People who post themselves giving stuff to people experiencing homelessness on social media. It's so exploitative."
"'Thoughts and prayers' posts. Just stop it. DO something, or just be quiet."
"Recording any 'acts of kindness.'"
"People who pretend to wash their hands. It's really disgusting. Running them under water for five seconds is not washing your hands."
—deedee20000
"Instagrammable protest. I get the desire to be around like-minded folk when you feel powerless — and I've attended my share of marches and actions over the years — but the whole let's-make-a-clever-sign-and-hope-it-goes-viral thing is more about self-promotion than being down with the cause. The most vital work is being done far away from social media."
"Revving motorcycles at any point when they're not in motion. It's fun and sounds cool, but it does nothing for the intended purpose of the bike. I say this as someone who revs it a couple of times anytime I start my bike, just for fun."
"Every meeting in corporate America."
—noodesandcoludes
"Flexing green flag attitudes on social media but never applying them in real life."
"A lot — not all — church-going folk are in it for the appearance."
—Educational-Creme391
"I hate to say it, but sometimes DEI efforts feel performative. When companies focus more on showcasing diversity stats, like how many languages are spoken, instead of valuing people for their actual strengths, it misses the point. It ends up feeling like they're using employees as tokens, and that does everyone a disservice."
"Telling you how early they wake up to 'beat the day.'"
—dcidino
"Saying 'Hello, how are you?' and 'Good, thanks. How are you?' feels performative to me. I don't think most people care how you're actually doing."
And finally, "Performative activism. Like, changing a profile picture 'for awareness,' and then never mentioning the issue again."
What are your thoughts on performative habits? Let us know in the comments!
