On Saturday 10 February 2024 WhatsApp posted a WhatsApp poll via it’s WhatsApp channel that houses over 119 million followers. The poll was based on the question : What will your good luck bring you this year?
In addition to the poll, four options were put up including: strength, power, wealth and wisdom. Participants were required to vote for one of the options or even more than one.
The findings of the WhatsApp Poll
Voting on the four options, 4,261,000 people had different choices they had in mind. At the time of writing this article,the results were as follows:
Strength – 1,300,000
Power – 874,000
Wealth – 887,000
Wisdom – 1,200,000
Analysing the Strength Vs Wisdom Choice
1. A Narrow Margin: While wisdom received the most votes (1,200,000) compared to strength (1,300,000), the margin is surprisingly narrow. This suggests a near-equal desire for these seemingly contrasting qualities within the audience. It begs the question: why are people so closely split between wanting the ability to overcome obstacles and the ability to make sound decisions?
2. Context Matters: This poll was conducted in February 2024. Considering current global events, people might be seeking strength to navigate uncertainties or overcome personal challenges. However, wisdom could also be appealing in these times, suggesting a desire for better judgement and understanding in an increasingly complex world. Understanding the demographic of the voters and current events at the time could shed light on why these two options resonated the most.
3. Beyond Individual Choice: It’s important to remember that “strength” and “wisdom” are not mutually exclusive. True strength often comes from wise decisions, and wisdom can be gained through overcoming challenges. Perhaps the high votes for both options reflect a olistic desire for a balanced personal development, encompassing both the ability to act and the ability to think critically.
Analysing the Power and Wealth Results in the WhatsApp Poll
While the poll results show a clear interest in strength and wisdom, it’s also worth exploring the choices that received fewer votes: power and wealth. Here are some potential interpretations:
1. Prioritizing Intrinsic Qualities: It’s interesting that power and wealth, often seen as desirable societal goals, garnered less interest compared to strength and wisdom. This could suggest a shift in values , where people prioritize personal growth and inner strength over external influences and material possessions. Perhaps they see strength and wisdom as more essential for achieving fulfillment and navigating life’s challenges.
2. Contextual Factors: The poll timing (February 2024) might be relevant. Facing global uncertainties, individuals might value inner resilience (strength) and sound judgement (wisdom) more than external power or wealth. Understanding the voter demographics and contemporary events could provide deeper insights.
3. Nuances in Perception:It’s important to remember that people might have different interpretations of “power” and “wealth.” Some might associate them with negative connotations like manipulation or greed, leading them to choose other options. Additionally, the concept of “enough” might play a role. If people feel sufficiently secure financially, they might prioritize other qualities.
4. Looking Beyond Individual Choices: It’s crucial to consider that these choices might not represent individual desires in isolation. Perhaps some individuals voted for strength or wisdom while also valuing power or wealth to some degree. Ultimately, the results paint a complex picture of human aspirations, influenced by various factors.