Everyone like to be praised. But does praise have any real value. It is just reinforcing your current behavior. And if that behavior is counter productive, then the reinforcement is actually a negative thing.
Everyone, on the other hand, dislikes criticism. But criticism may actually have real value because it may be pointing in a direction where if you take the implied change in behavior seriously and act on it, that may lead to a very positive outcome.
On social media, you see this disparity all the time. People love the likes and the positive comments, but bristle at any critical comments. Their reaction to critical comments can and often are extremely emotional.
Yet where is the value when comparing praise to criticism? The thoughtful response to criticism isn’t emotion but rational consideration. Does the criticism actually have any merit, and if so, what should I do about it?
But you don’t get this on social media. Just emotional responses. No rationality. So, on balance, the responses in social media have very limited real value, and don’t lead to any productive change in behavior.
Henry's Views 