I frequently give out silvers and golds just to get messages from other users.
Do you give them to your friends as well?
No, I don't.
Praising people for their contributions is fine but just giving out silvers and golds to get attention is wrong. You shouldn't need to seek validation like that and just handing out rewards for no reason gives people expectations. It also sounds liek you don't give them to your friends so imagine how they must feel.
I need the attention.
That's bad. You shouldn't be that desperate for attention. It's unhealthy.