Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
By Jessica McKoy
Intrinsic Motivation
The definition for Intrinsic Motivation is the desire to perform a task or activity that is driven by internal rewards. An example is running a race where you get tired at the very end but by reminding yourself how fulfilling finishing is you cross the finish line.
Extrinsic Motivation
The definition of Extrinsic Motivation is the opposite of Intrinsic, it is the desire to perform a task or activity driven by external rewards. An example is getting a job at a fast food restaurant to earn extra money.
Real Life Experience
Overjustification is a process when intrinsic motivation that a person already has is lessened or diminished after external rewards are given when people are already internally rewarded. A real-life experience of this is one that I had with guitar. I would play my guitar and practice every night because playing guitar was a destressor for me and I was really good at it. But when I started getting rewards from my parents like extra allowance money I would practice less and less until I wasn't even practicing once a week. A result from this is that I got really anxious a lot and my stress levels were off the charts. However, I am happy to say that since then I have started making goals on practicing more and more each week to get back to the way I was and telling myself that I don't need to stop.
Eating Disorders
Social media is an outlet for many things. For some it's a place where they can be themselves, others it is a way to share their emotions, and unfortunately it is also somewhere that girls or boys will find motivation to keep up an eating disorder. I have seen so many girls that are apart of "support groups" such as pro ana that encourage a person who has a eating disorder like anorexia nervosa or bulimia. I find it sad that I can't go on any social media website without finding several pictures like the one's above on girls instagram. This is a serious issue in our society, statistics show that over one half of girls have or will develop an eating disorder in the U.S. Pictures. Posting things like this are adding fuel to the fire of body harm. Nearly 70% of girls who have an eating disorder also self-harm. These two things together will cause a detrimental or even fatal effect to a young person's body.