Digitalization is growing, the use of social media is certainly increasing, especially the features in it are constantly being updated. This is also what triggers many people to easily share their daily lives through status features or feeds on their social media pages.
Without realizing this habit, it triggers the nature of flexing in some circles, especially artists, you know. Not a few are competing to show off their respective luxuries. So, of course, it provoked various reactions from netizens.
What is Flexing?
Competitions to show off these luxuries are certainly not a good thing. Moreover, if it turns out in reality, it does not match the expectations or views of people with what is being exhibited. So, what exactly is flexing?
Flexing is a slang word or slang word from America which means like to show off. Flexing can also be defined with the meaning of boasting by showing off luxury or wealth.
Currently, as time goes by, we can find the phenomenon of flexing in cyberspace. They do self-image (personal branding) by showing each other wealth. In fact this is a strategy for self-gratification, even to attract public attention.
Facts About the Flexing Phenomenon
This flexing phenomenon emerged after the actions of Simon Hayut who claimed to be Simon Leviev, he pretended to be a billionaire. Simon tricked his victims through the dating app Tinder by posting fancy photos of him to lure women in. In fact, he invites them on luxury dates by boarding a private jet, having dinner, to staying at a luxury hotel.
Worse, he commits fraud under the pretext of avoiding business enemies by borrowing the victim's money. This is done so that he can continue to spree and flaunt his luxury to attract prey. This action can be called a ponzi scheme which is a fraudulent investment of the fraudster's own money.
This phenomenon was later brought up in a documentary film 'The Tinder Swindler' which aired on Netflix and occupied the Top 10 in Indonesia Today. Not a few take advantage of this phenomenon as a strategy to get a lot of followers on social media which allows us to get endorsements or other benefits at a high rate.
Flexing a Sign of Lack of Confidence?
Reporting from CNN Indonesia, psychologist Indah Sundari Jayanti explained that flexing shows the need for self-existence. The era of digitalization has certainly made this phenomenon more prevalent.
Personality, fear of rejection, environmental influences, and a high need for existence make this flexing trait formed. Given that this phenomenon is so widespread and is considered normal, Indah emphasized that this action cannot be said to be completely abnormal.
Except, this flexing interferes with activities, harms other people, or even changes us into a different person, even tends to be bad. So, such flexing can fall into the category of psychological disorders.
Well, self-confidence is very important. Being yourself without having to meet other people's expectations is an act that shows that we love, respect, and accept ourselves as we are. So, don't want to do this flexing, okay? Be proud of who we are.