Money: The Most Misused Tool of Testing but Still Worth It

In psychology and sociology, money is more than a currency—it’s a mirror of human values, motivation, and survival instincts. People often say they “work for money,” but beneath that, what they actually work for is security, belonging, and dignity. The process of earning money through hard work fulfills a deep psychological need for control and competence.


From a behavioral psychology perspective, money acts as a reinforcer. It connects effort with reward, creating motivation to continue performing. This reinforcement cycle explains why people feel emotionally satisfied when they earn through their own labor. It provides a sense of agency—an awareness that you can influence your life circumstances through your actions.


However, money also becomes one of the most misused tools of testing. In many societies, it is wrongly used to measure worth, intelligence, or character. This psychological distortion, called status bias, causes people to overvalue wealth and undervalue emotional or moral integrity. It’s why financial success can sometimes overshadow human decency in judgment.


Yet, even with its flaws, money remains worth it—not for its luxury but for its potential. It provides freedom of choice, supports autonomy, and allows self-expression. In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, financial stability supports the foundational layers—safety, shelter, and physiological well-being—enabling higher pursuits like creativity and self-actualization.


So while money may be misused as a test of superiority, its true psychological value lies in what it allows you to build, not in what it proves. It is a tool, not an identity—a means to live, not the meaning of life.


Keywords:

psychology of money, behavioral psychology and reward, Maslow’s hierarchy and finance, money and motivation, status bias, emotional value of earning, financial autonomy, hard work and self-worth, psychological meaning of money, money and identity

Popular posts from this blog

Importance of emotional intelligence and self-reflection in social media research

Social media, although an imaginary realm in many ways, is deeply rooted in our real-world experiences. Consider a study where 20 participants are observed: 10 playing cricket live on a field, and 10 engaging in the same activity through a 3D virtual reality device from their beds. Interestingly, the MRI or fMRI results from both groups would likely show similar brain activity, as for the brain, both experiences are equally real. Our brain processes all experiences—real or imagined—as if they are happening in the present moment. Whether we are living life authentically or imagining it behind a screen, we are still engaging with our surroundings in a meaningful way. In this sense, we are our imaginations, and we are also our real selves. Research on social media presents its own set of challenges. People often base their judgments and assumptions on what has been said or done by others at a specific time. In this context, it’s easy for individuals to taunt, criticize, or even try to und...
Read more

Understanding Social Constraints: A Psychological Perspective on Conformity and Individuality

Human beings are inherently social creatures, driven by an innate desire for connection, validation, and belonging. However, the complexity of societal norms and cultural expectations often creates a clash between individuality and conformity. This conflict is particularly pronounced when an individual's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors deviate from societal expectations. Such experiences can lead to emotional distress, social ostracism, or even trauma, revealing the intricate interplay between psychology and cultural dynamics. The Burden of Societal Norms Psychologists often refer to the phenomenon of adapting to societal expectations as normative social influence. This refers to the pressure to conform to the beliefs, values, and behaviors that are widely accepted within a specific cultural or social group. While conformity can foster cohesion, it often stifles individuality, particularly in societies with rigid patriarchal structures or deeply ingrained traditions. For example, ...
Read more

The Unspoken Realities of Adulthood: A Psychological Perspective

Adulthood is not just about age—it is about understanding humans. It is the stage where you finally see through the masks people wear, where you realize that kindness is not just a virtue but a necessity. Every human craves validation, seeks superiority, and wants to feel important. Carl Jung put it aptly—life is a constant struggle for priority. Have you ever noticed how even the simplest debates turn into battles of ego? The winner walks away feeling triumphant as if they have won a grand prize, while the loser carries an unspoken wound. When I understood this, I stopped debating. I learned to simply say, "Yes," "You're right," "Okay fine," and move on. Because why waste energy explaining something to someone who lacks the capacity or willingness to understand? Knowledge is not for display—it is for personal growth. The Faces People Wear People are double-faced. It is not pessimism; it is reality. A person who is a friend to everyone is a friend ...
Read more