What is "Craving for Light"?
The Thai slang term “หิวแสง” (hiu saeng) literally translates to “craving light” and is used online to describe people who constantly seek attention or popularity — often through creating trendy or controversial content to gain likes, shares, retweets, or followers.
In some cases, the desire to be in the spotlight becomes so strong that individuals resort to negative behaviors such as attacking others, fabricating stories, or engaging in actions that harm others — all for the sake of visibility and validation.
Why Do People Crave Attention?
The behavior known as “หิวแสง” reflects an excessive desire for attention , often expressed in unhealthy ways. However, it’s important to note that wanting attention is a natural human trait — it’s not inherently bad. The problem arises when the need for attention becomes excessive or destructive.
Psychologically, excessive attention-seeking often stems from insecurity or emotional instability . When people feel ignored or unseen, their brain interprets it as a form of threat, prompting them to act in ways that regain attention.
On social media, posting something controversial or engaging in online drama triggers the release of endorphins , the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. For example, when someone comments on a heated topic and receives likes or supportive replies, they feel validated and rewarded. As the number of likes increases, the brain releases dopamine — creating a double rush of pleasure.
Over time, this can lead to a cycle of addiction : people crave more engagement, chase higher like counts, and feel worse when they’re ignored — leading to lower self-esteem . As a result, “attention-hungry” individuals constantly look for new ways to stay in the spotlight to feel secure.
Additionally, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) plays a big role — people are afraid of falling behind trends or missing the conversation, which keeps them chasing relevance. Unlike those with a strong sense of self, “หิวแสง” individuals tend to follow every trend just to stay visible.
How to Stop Being “Attention Craved”
While the desire for attention is a normal brain function, it’s possible to control it and prevent it from leading to unhealthy behavior.
The first step is to build self-esteem — learn to accept and appreciate yourself as you are, and focus on your strengths rather than your shortcomings. When you value yourself, you rely less on external validation.
It also helps to:
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Surround yourself with honest friends who can call you out when you go overboard or act like a “drama queen.”
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Engage in meaningful offline activities or hobbies outside of social media to reduce dependence on online attention.
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Practice mindfulness and self-awareness to recognize when your actions are driven by insecurity rather than genuine expression.
By strengthening emotional resilience and finding fulfillment from within, you can stop chasing the spotlight — and start shining in your own authentic way.
References:
Psychologytoday: Excessive Attention-Seeking and Drama Addiction
Researchgate: An Investigation of Attention-Seeking Behavior through Social Media Post Framing