Me, Myself & I

Declining an invite to be part of a Blogger meet, knowing there's been a slew of similar declines in the past, I wonder if I am sinking deeper into 'social recluse' territory. And if so, is that healthy? Mentally, I couldn't be agiler. So the latter fear can be ruled out.

Why then the reluctance to participate? The reasons lie in factors extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic refers to 'socialisation' and intrinsic is in terms of 'personal motivation'.

Conforming to the appeal of what is termed a 'reference group', lies in what the group can do for an individual who sees certain payoffs in being part of that group. From a consumer perspective, its about whether the group can provide information that helps tide over the risk inherent in purchases. Groups help in comparison of thinking, behaviour and attitudes. It can even provide for an identity and legitimise the usage of products and services. This is part of the socialisation process.

Now consider the motivation implication. David McClelland in his 'acquired-needs theory' proposed that an individual's specific needs are acquired over time and are shaped by one's life experiences. Most of these needs can be classed as either achievement, affiliation, or power. The desire for any of these can dictate the factor that motivates one to act. Being part of a group can be tagged as a desire to affiliate of to exhibit power depending on whether one wants to participate or take control, within the group. The need for achievement on the other hand sees a departure from affiliation and a desire of wanting to be left alone.

Back to me, now. Being a social recluse suits me fine. The payoffs seem worth it, though I may be blind to the lost opportunities. For the moment, I guess I'll risk it.

Cheers. :)