Heytfollowing: why do we follow people we don't like?

**Heatfollowing: Why do we follow people we don't like?**

Sometimes on social media we continue to follow people who annoy, annoy, or dislike us. We even go so far as to see their every post and argue in the comments. Psychologists call this "heatfollowing." So why would someone deliberately follow someone they don't like?

**What is heatfollowing?**

Heatfollowing is when a social media user subscribes to or secretly follows someone they feel negative about. This can lead to feelings of anger, hatred, resentment, or annoyance.

Some people simply follow the page of someone they don't like regularly. Others leave negative comments under their posts.

**Why do people follow people they don't like?**

At first glance, if someone annoys you, you can simply unsubscribe from them. But there may be various reasons behind this.

**1. To experience new emotions**

Psychiatrist-psychotherapist Pavel Beschastnov notes that a person always feels the need to experience some kind of feeling. Positive emotions are more pleasant, of course, but negative emotions are also emotions.

That is why some people may want to experience strong emotions through anger, resentment or heated arguments. Just like a person enjoys going on extreme rides, even though they are scary.

**2. To feel in control**

A person may subconsciously perceive the person who annoys them as a source of danger. Therefore, following them gives the impression of taking control of the situation.

For example, if you come across a snake in the forest, you will not take your eyes off it until it moves away. A similar situation is observed on social networks. In addition, writing negative comments gives a person a different kind of emotional satisfaction. According to analytical psychologist and neuropsychologist Natalya Kaurova, some people enjoy the feeling of having some kind of “power” over a famous person or blogger.

**3. To release inner anger**

The Internet allows a person to express their emotions almost without resistance. Psychologist Maria Bogrova notes that people who find it difficult to show their anger in everyday life sometimes release it via the Internet. That is, a person can write any negative opinion they want, and the result is often limited to blocking or reprimanding.

**4. To prove that they are right**

Sometimes the person who makes us very angry may be doing something that we do not allow ourselves. For example, someone lives differently, dresses differently, or has a different outlook on life. In such a situation, a person may try to prove to himself over and over again that “I live right, and he is wrong.”

**5. To feel superior to others**

Finding someone on the Internet who he considers “worse” than him can also be an easy way to increase his self-esteem. For example, by looking for spelling mistakes in a blogger, criticizing his appearance or thoughts, a person feels smarter or better than him.

**6. To distract from real problems**

Viewing the page of a blogger you don’t like or arguing under his posts can also temporarily help you forget about everyday problems. This is also a way to pass the time.

**What are the harms of hetfollowing?**

* **It hurts you:** Negative emotions themselves are not bad. They can tell us that something is wrong. But deliberately following someone who constantly annoys you is like repeatedly annoying yourself.

* **It takes your time:** It's not just about the few minutes it takes to open someone's page. After that, the person can spend time thinking about the posts they read, arguing inwardly, and getting rid of negative emotions.

* **It benefits the person who annoys you:** Social media algorithms don't distinguish whether you like or hate that person. Views, followers, and comments increase their activity. So, your attention can further increase that person's popularity.

**What to do if you find yourself addicted to follow-ups?**

If someone constantly annoys you, ask yourself a few questions:

* Why did I follow this person?

* Why do I keep seeing his posts?

* Why do I comment?

* What does it give me?

* Why can't I unsubscribe?

* What will I do with my free time if I stop following him?

Psychologist Maria Bogrova believes that the most important thing is to understand what needs you are satisfying through this habit. Then you can satisfy those needs in a different, healthier way.

Sometimes the person who irritates us the most can actually reveal more about us than anyone else.