Why do people want to be cool?

Question

Why do people want to be "cool popular people" in high school. In my opinion they are just a bunch of attention hores, most of them are real idiots if you talk to them face to face, what's the point of putting on a false personality in order to get the attention of others, wouldn't you rather have your own personality so you can get friends that are like you and get people to like you for who you really are? I've seen so many people ask the question "how do I get popular" I just sorta shake my head and don't even answer the question, what is the point of being a "popular" person if that isn't who you really are.

Answer 1

...someone's not the cool kid and pissed about it obviously.

But really, being "popular" doesn't mean they're fake. Sometimes people are truly funny and people like that about them so the person becomes "popular". Or if someone is generally really nice, friendly, but also outgoing- they're likeable and become popular.

Of course, there are going to be "fake" people and it's unfortunate that they feel that they won't be liked if they're not themselves. But, there are real people to that people like due to them having some admirable quality.

Generally, humans want to belong and find kinship with other humans. Everyone wants to belong in some way or another.

Answer 2

To be successful or to fit in society

To avoid loneliness  

Answer 3

Because with social status comes power.