Well I wanted to be popular once, but on a small scale. I just wanted to be popular among people I knew. I was younger and frankly, stupider. It didn't take long before I realized that a shy, quiet person should not strive to be the life of the party, lol.

I don't know why people like to be popular. I'm sure your reasons are correct, as well as many other reasons. I'm not going to get into what all those reasons might say about the person, but I don't mind reading what you think they might entail.

I would guess there are some good reasons to be popular. One reason is, the more people you know and who like you, will be willing to help you, when you need help.

I do agree with much of what you say, though I doubt I am as disturbed by people wanting to be popular as you are. It's just the human condition I suppose to want to be liked and admired, and yes, to be vain and feel superior when they have a higher number of friends on Facebook than other people do. Still, I don't find that tragic, just a part of being human. We all have failings, and that is one.