How People Handle Rejection in Modern Society

By Ruth Moraa

On a sunny afternoon in Nakuru, Zuri, a graduate from Greater Heights University, refreshed her email for what felt like the tenth time. She had applied for her dream job at a major insurance company and was anxiously waiting for a response. When the long-awaited email finally arrived, her heart sank.

“We are sorry to inform you…”

Those words were more than just a rejection—they felt like emotional turmoil. For Zuri, it was not simply about losing a job opportunity; it felt like a blow to her hopes, confidence, and self-worth.

Zuri’s experience is one shared by many. In today’s world, rejection is a common human experience that can be deeply painful because it threatens fundamental human needs such as belonging, acceptance, and self-esteem. Rejection occurs when someone is denied, excluded, dismissed, or not accepted—whether through an unanswered message, a declined job application, or the end of a romantic relationship.

Traditionally, rejection was often experienced face-to-face within close-knit communities. Today, however, rejection appears in many forms. Professionally, it emerges through competitive job markets and unsuccessful applications. Personally, it may occur in relationships, friendships, or family dynamics. In the digital age, rejection also takes subtler forms, such as ghosting, being left on “read,” or ignored messages on social media.

Unlike in the past, rejection today is rarely private. It can be seen, compared, and even judged publicly through social media and online platforms. This visibility often intensifies the emotional weight of rejection. Being excluded or dismissed can feel threatening—not only to survival needs but also to one’s identity and emotional security.

Rather than denying or suppressing their feelings, many people in modern society are choosing healthier ways to cope with rejection. Some write about their experiences, share their stories online, or seek therapy to process their emotions. Increased awareness around mental health has made it more acceptable to openly discuss disappointment and emotional pain.

In 2010, Jason Comely popularized the concept of “rejection therapy,” which encourages individuals to intentionally place themselves in situations where rejection is likely—such as asking for favors or applying for multiple opportunities. The idea is to reduce the fear of rejection by normalizing it and building emotional resilience.

Modern approaches to handling rejection also emphasize building self-worth independent of external validation. Practices such as self-compassion, mindfulness, and positive self-talk help individuals avoid harsh self-criticism. Instead of tying identity to one person’s approval or one missed opportunity, people are encouraged to view rejection as part of growth.

When handled constructively, rejection can lead to personal development. It can clarify direction, eliminate misaligned opportunities, and strengthen resilience. In modern society, rejection is unavoidable—but it does not have to define a person’s worth.

Rather than seeing rejection as a final destination, it can be viewed as a turning point—an opportunity to grow stronger, reassess goals, and redirect one’s path toward better opportunities.