I commented on a video using my phone. You know how smartphones are; they think they know what you are about to say and just have to fill it in for you. This comment was on a grunge music video, and I wrote, "We need the anger of grudge right now." Of course, I meant grunge, but my phone decided otherwise.
Most people understood what I meant. Some even liked the comment. But inevitably, someone with a fake name and a generic profile photo had to step in and say, "Actually, The Grudge didn’t come out until 2004."
What does that accomplish? Was the world in desperate need of that correction? Did my accidental word choice stop people from understanding the sentiment? Of course not. This is another case of superiority signaling, where someone jumps to point out a minor mistake, not to be helpful, but to make themselves feel superior.
The Psychology Behind Superiority Signaling
Superiority signaling is when people use unnecessary corrections, nitpicking, or intellectual posturing to make themselves appear smarter or better than others. It is rarely about genuinely helping. Instead, it is about feeding an ego that needs external validation.
People who engage in this behavior often feel a deep need to prove their intelligence, even if it means pointing out something trivial. They believe that they are elevating themselves by highlighting someone else's mistake. But in reality, they just look petty. They might get a few likes from others who enjoy watching someone get "called out," but overall, it is an empty form of validation.
Why Do People Do This?
There are a few key psychological reasons why people feel the need to correct others in a way that serves no real purpose.
They are insecure – Truly intelligent and confident people who do not need to put others down to feel smart. When someone constantly feels the urge to correct, it often comes from their own insecurity. They need to prove themselves because, deep down, they do not feel as smart as they want others to believe.
They want attention – Nitpicking and correcting online gets engagement. Whether it is likes, comments, or arguments, their correction forces others to acknowledge them. The more they engage in superiority signaling, the more they feel seen.
They think it gives them power – Some people see correcting others as a way to establish dominance. It is a subtle form of control. If they can make someone else feel small or embarrassed, it gives them a temporary feeling of superiority.
They are just trolls – Some people do it simply to get a rise from others. They enjoy annoying people and watching them react. This is a core behavior of internet trolls, who thrive on creating conflict where there is none.
The Reality of Superiority Signaling
People who engage in superiority signaling think they are coming across as intelligent, but the opposite is true. Constantly correcting people over small, meaningless mistakes makes them look insecure and desperate for approval. Instead of being seen as intelligent, they appear arrogant, self-important, and socially unaware.
It also signals a lack of emotional intelligence. Instead of recognizing the bigger picture of a conversation, they zero in on the most irrelevant detail just to prove they are "right." This makes them seem detached from real discussion and human connection.
Most people are not impressed by this behavior. If anything, it annoys them. No one likes a person who constantly condescendingly corrects others, especially when the correction serves no real purpose.
The Fake Profile Problem: Cowards and Bots
One of the most telling aspects of superiority signaling online is that it often comes from accounts with fake names, stock photos, or anonymous usernames. These people hide behind their screens because they lack the confidence to behave this way in real life.
Two types of fake profiles engage in this behavior.
Cowards – These are people who do not have the courage to act this way in the real world. They hide behind a fake identity to be condescending and rude without facing any real consequences. They know they would be called out or ignored if they acted this way in person.
Bots – Some of these accounts are not even real people. They are AI-generated profiles or automated accounts designed to stir engagement, create division, or amplify certain narratives. Their job is to create friction in online discussions, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by nitpicking and correcting people obnoxiously.
The more someone hides behind an anonymous account to make petty corrections, the more obvious it becomes that they are either insecure or not even real. Confident people do not need fake profiles to interact with the world.
When Are Corrections Actually Helpful?
There are times when corrections matter. A correction might be necessary if someone is spreading false information that could cause harm. If someone asks for clarification, then providing accurate information can be helpful.
But most of the time, the types of corrections seen on social media are completely unnecessary. They do not change the meaning of the conversation, they do not provide value, and they do not help anyone. They only serve to make the corrector feel better about themselves.
Let People Be Human
People make mistakes when they type quickly, autocorrect takes over, or they simply do not realize they have made an error. The world does not end because of a typo. A conversation does not lose value because of a misplaced word.
Instead of jumping at every chance to correct someone, maybe just let it go. Engage with the actual conversation instead of the minor details.
And if you understood what the person meant, ask yourself, what is the point of correcting them?
Because if the only answer is "to feel smarter," then maybe it is time to rethink what intelligence looks like.
Disclaimer: Journaling is a powerful tool to support your healing process. The CBT exercises in Journals to Healing journals are intended to help you analyze and reframe your thoughts as part of a personal growth journey. However, these journals do not replace therapy or professional help. If you are experiencing intense emotions or feelings beyond your control, please seek professional assistance. Resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7 for support. Remember, reaching out for help is a strength, and healing is a process.
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