If you’re reading this article because of the grabbing title, then you are among a large percentage of readers in America. Congratulations! You’re part of a majority.
Authors of web articles have tricked readers into clicking on their URL articles by using intriguing titles such as “The One Trick Doctor’s Hate” and “Soldier Comes Home to His Family: You’ll NEVER Guess What Happens Next.” These cliff-hanging titles procure an irresistible need among readers to find out the content of the article. Whether it's yet another story about the “magic” weight loss pill, Garcinia Cambogia or an elaborate proposal between two people you know nothing about, we as consumers will always want to find out the secrets behind the titles.
Why do we waste our precious time with such silly blurbs that spew nonsense? Why do we consistently succumb to clicking on every article shared on Facebook, even when, in the back of our heads, we know it won’t be worth it? The reason we cannot tame this urge is because of our subconscious — or conscious — high level of superficiality.
To be superficial is to care only about what is on the surface and to neglect learning more about what’s underneath. Superficial people are shallow and care more about instant perception and looks. Titles that promise quick fixes for weight loss are intriguing to superficial people, because they want a fast remedy to look as good as they can. Even if you don’t actually buy Garcinia Cambogia, chances are that you thought about it enough to learn more about the product.
I never thought of myself as a superficial person until recently, when it came to my attention how wrong I was. The other day, my friend and I were in a small room with an open window by which a mosquito and a moth to flew into the room. The moth was the most terrifying, disgusting thing I had ever encountered. I couldn’t even look at it without getting the chills. My friend and I decided that the creature had to be killed, because it was too ugly to live. So kill it we did. My friend, the heroine, murdered the moth with a toilet cleaner and repeatedly hit it to ensure its death. A wave of relief came over me, and I could breathe easy knowing that the hideous moth would never be seen again. The next morning, after sleeping at my friend’s house, I woke up with a mosquito bite on my leg. As I itched away my discomfort, I realized that I had focused on killing the wrong insect. Instead of removing the tiny mosquito that bit me, we chose to direct our attention toward the hideous moth that sent chills down our spines. I realized during that moment of reflection that — to my dismay — I was superficial. I chose to kill a moth that would ultimately not do me any harm — instead of a mosquito that bit me — because it was ugly to look at. Upon discovering this unflattering attribute of mine, I promised myself that I would make a conscious effort to become less shallow.
Here are four ways to become less superficial.
1. Don't find out the trick that doctors hate.
Articles that promise miraculous cures to your flaws are bogus. If there was a lab-tested way to lose weight in 10 days without exercise, then you would probably hear about it on a more valid website than TMZ. Challenge yourself to reading a thought-provoking article that will inspire you instead of a trashy column with empty words.
2. Date someone outside of your league.
No one wants to hook up with someone who’s ugly — that’s obvious. But what defines ugliness? A person with a gorgeous face and incredible body can certainly be ugly if they have a terrible personality, and someone who could stand to lose 15 pounds could be the most beautiful person if his or her personality is incredible. Don’t judge a book by its cover, because you might miss out on a great relationship due to the petty, shallow standards you’ve set for yourself. Give that guy or girl who’s been trying to go out with you a chance, no matter their appearance. If you’re not attracted to him or her, and he or she also has a bad personality, then never mind.
3. Go to a museum.
Many college students only go to museums when they’re forced to go by their parents over the holidays. Instead of to staring at art for two hours against your will, voluntarily visit an exhibit on your own time. Appreciating art is an incredible way to self-reflect and find beauty in the most outrageous paintings. If you’re following where I’m going with this, you can learn to value odd works of art, and in turn, be more open to valuing hideous moths.
4. Shop in the sale rack.
Sale racks hold the notorious negative stigma that everything in that section is unwanted and not worth looking at. If you give it a chance and put forth time and patience into sifting through the many items, you could find a hidden gem — similarly with people.
