Why attention isn't the same thing as being valued

Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage us to share everything. It's never been easier to be seen, but it can be hard not to feel invisible because attention isn't the same thing as being valued. Author and journalist Jennifer Breheny Wallace says people don't just want to be noticed, they need to feel like they count. Research shows that when people truly feel they matter, they're more resilient, more engaged, and more generous. But when they don't, the effects can be serious, fueling loneliness, anxiety, and burnout. Her new book explores why this need is so powerful, and how we can recognize our impact at home and at work. The book is called Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose.