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False humility, also known as pseudo-humility, refers to a display of humility that is insincere or strategically employed to serve ulterior motives such as manipulation, self-promotion, or social validation. False humility often disguises arrogance, self-interest, or a desire for praise. [1]
In psychology, false humility may function as a defense mechanism or a form of impression management. Some individuals use it to mask narcissistic personality traits or to gain social favor while avoiding the appearance of overt self-centeredness. [1]
False humility is also linked to the phenomenon known as humblebragging, which combines apparent modesty with subtle self-promotion. Studies suggest that humblebragging tends to backfire, resulting in negative social evaluations. [2]
According to psychology writer Sam Vaknin, false humility can act as a protective cover for narcissists' grandiosity, and is often used to gain admiration or manipulate social dynamics. [3]
From a sociological standpoint, false humility can be viewed as a form of performative behavior shaped by social norms and cultural expectations. In highly competitive or status-conscious environments, individuals may deliberately downplay their achievements to conform to ideals of modesty, while simultaneously signaling social value. This dual function allows a person to navigate social hierarchies without explicitly violating norms around humility.[ citation needed ]
The popularization of the term Humblebrag in the digital age has played a key role in bringing attention to this phenomenon. The term was coined by American comedian and writer Harris Wittels, who used it on social media and later in his 2012 book Humblebrag: The Art of False Modesty. Wittels highlighted how individuals use apparent modesty to disguise self-promotion and attention-seeking, making humblebragging a widely recognized example of false humility in contemporary discourse. [4]
Some[ which? ] sources describe observable signs of false humility that may appear in interpersonal or professional settings. These behaviors often include:
Such patterns, while not universally diagnostic, may reflect a tendency to use modesty as a social strategy rather than a genuine trait. [5] [ better source needed ][ irrelevant citation ]