Do you observe people around you repeating the same Instagram story repeatedly? This is a typical practice among plenty of users. Many of us are used to so much updating that every milestone must be captured and shared within moments. But have you thought about the reason behind such repeated behavior?

A New Kind of “Stalking”

Most people are good at Instagram stalking. But some people also check their profiles. They repeatedly look for views, watching their stories and posts. You will not be shocked to know that there is a psychology behind it. It may sound odd, but this action reflects deeper behavior patterns. So, not only keeping an eye on whether your ex has moved on or not is psychologically explained. But checking on your own Instagram views and stories has deep psychological factors. If you take a moment and reflect on your own stories, they will tell a lot about you.

Why We Replay Our Own Stories

It’s natural to wonder why people would replay their own Instagram stories. After all, they know exactly what they posted. However, the reasons behind this behavior (replaying your stories) vary:

Perfectionism

Some people are deeply concerned about how their content appears. They might rewatch their stories to ensure everything looks polished and fits the image they want to present.

Curiosity

Others, like Tom, view their profiles from the perspective of new followers. This helps them understand how outsiders might perceive them.

Insecurity

For some, self-stalking comes from a place of anxiety. They want to ensure they haven’t shared anything embarrassing or over-the-top.

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The Desire to See Ourselves From Another’s Perspective

Viewing one’s profile or story repeatedly might also stem from a desire to understand how others see us. Psychotherapist Eloise Skinner explains that the instinct to gauge how we are perceived has existed for generations. Before social media, people reflected on how they came across during in-person interactions. Today, Instagram has become the stage where we project the identity we want others to perceive.

Psychologist Zoe Mallet adds that our evolutionary need for social approval drives this behavior. Humans are wired to seek validation from others, and social media amplifies this need, allowing us to curate the perfect image of ourselves. Watching our content lets us step into others’ shoes and try to guess their thoughts.

Self-Stalking and Perfectionism

The widespread use of social media platforms has enabled individuals to curate their online personas carefully. However, for some, this behavior can escalate into an obsessive compulsion towards self-monitoring. As psychologist Skinner suggests, constantly revising one’s content and comparing it to others may stem from anxiety surrounding online image and presence management.

Conclusion

So, reflect on your behavior and why you watch your own stories. Is it for confidence or approval? Consider your recent post and reflect on how often you have watched it. You will feel that this is your answer.