Good to see someone use narcissism correctly. And to understand it is about validation of an artificial persona projected on to the world. Exacerbated, of course, by the fakery of the digital world. What is the fame you discuss if not a form of this? It cannot ever be satisfying. It is more like an addiction.
The Louis CK video was good. He is correct. Adapting your content to better match the algorithm is absurd. Especially in a world of fake where people increasingly seek something authentic.
Mo: The speed with which we dropped celebrities towards the early MeToo years was telling. Especially compared with how much more reluctant the web was to throw Biden and Clinton (both who have been accused of rape) under the bus.
Me: No damned shit.
However, I don't want to be an influencer. I write and just want people to read my work. If 10 people read it and review it, or 500 read and review it, at least someone read it.
I know that I'll never be Douglas Adams, Tolkien, or even Robert Jordan. But I'm okay with that.
I just don't want it to sit there and nobody reads it.
Another great post! I have a feeling Gen Z's desire to all be influencers is more rational that it appears. I don't think it's "fame" they're seeking, but insurance against the modern job market which offers essentially zero financial security or personal autonomy. I think they understand that if one can shape onesself into a valuable brand, it's much harder for them to be taken advantage of.
If Millenial culture could broadly be defined as "an attempt to reclaim authenticity", I think Gen Z is correctly identifying that failed effort and giving up on authenticity altogether. Is this good for, y'know, the soul of mankind? I don't think so. But I do think they're reacting rationally to a world they were born into that doesn't appear to care about their future.
(Also while I thought the Louis CK video was great, it's real fuckin' rich to hear him of all people waxing nostalgic about the pervy old gatekeepers of yesterday. I would rather cater to an unfeeling algorithm than the whims of a Weinstein.)
Hi thanks as always. As far as "insurance" goes, I agree but also must say it is not a stable insurance. But any port in the storm...I dunno....pretty dire.
I don't know that Gen Z does not care about authenticity....I feel because Gen Z is more under the microscope I have heard so many conflicting things about them..they are authentic...they are not...they are liberals but they are catholic tradwives....very hard to pin down their attitudes
I could be mistaken...but I think CK was saying that the algorithm has replaced the audience, which is what I found interesting here.
Yeah, I think there is an argument to be made that millenials' authenticity was somewhat performative and that Gen Z's "I'll reinvent myself every few days" approach to culture is actually more "authentic" but I do generally think you're right and the microscope they find themselves under causes them to be more performative than older generations were. Someone that can be "pinned down" is someome that can be more easily controlled by targeted ads, algorithms, etc. Although I doubt that's intentional.
(Also CK mentions "appealing to the gatekeepers" later on in the vid which is the only reason I bought it up, I agree with the overall sentiment obviously!)
Good to see someone use narcissism correctly. And to understand it is about validation of an artificial persona projected on to the world. Exacerbated, of course, by the fakery of the digital world. What is the fame you discuss if not a form of this? It cannot ever be satisfying. It is more like an addiction.
The Louis CK video was good. He is correct. Adapting your content to better match the algorithm is absurd. Especially in a world of fake where people increasingly seek something authentic.
Good post!
Thanks
Mo: The speed with which we dropped celebrities towards the early MeToo years was telling. Especially compared with how much more reluctant the web was to throw Biden and Clinton (both who have been accused of rape) under the bus.
Me: No damned shit.
However, I don't want to be an influencer. I write and just want people to read my work. If 10 people read it and review it, or 500 read and review it, at least someone read it.
I know that I'll never be Douglas Adams, Tolkien, or even Robert Jordan. But I'm okay with that.
I just don't want it to sit there and nobody reads it.
Joseph: I write and just want people to read my work. If 10 people read it and review it, or 500 read and review it, at least someone read it.
I know that I'll never be Douglas Adams, Tolkien, or even Robert Jordan. But I'm okay with that.
I just don't want it to sit there and nobody reads it.
Me: I have a feeling if no one reads it you will keep writing anyway.
Another great post! I have a feeling Gen Z's desire to all be influencers is more rational that it appears. I don't think it's "fame" they're seeking, but insurance against the modern job market which offers essentially zero financial security or personal autonomy. I think they understand that if one can shape onesself into a valuable brand, it's much harder for them to be taken advantage of.
If Millenial culture could broadly be defined as "an attempt to reclaim authenticity", I think Gen Z is correctly identifying that failed effort and giving up on authenticity altogether. Is this good for, y'know, the soul of mankind? I don't think so. But I do think they're reacting rationally to a world they were born into that doesn't appear to care about their future.
(Also while I thought the Louis CK video was great, it's real fuckin' rich to hear him of all people waxing nostalgic about the pervy old gatekeepers of yesterday. I would rather cater to an unfeeling algorithm than the whims of a Weinstein.)
Hi thanks as always. As far as "insurance" goes, I agree but also must say it is not a stable insurance. But any port in the storm...I dunno....pretty dire.
I don't know that Gen Z does not care about authenticity....I feel because Gen Z is more under the microscope I have heard so many conflicting things about them..they are authentic...they are not...they are liberals but they are catholic tradwives....very hard to pin down their attitudes
I could be mistaken...but I think CK was saying that the algorithm has replaced the audience, which is what I found interesting here.
Thanks for reading as always...true honor
Yeah, I think there is an argument to be made that millenials' authenticity was somewhat performative and that Gen Z's "I'll reinvent myself every few days" approach to culture is actually more "authentic" but I do generally think you're right and the microscope they find themselves under causes them to be more performative than older generations were. Someone that can be "pinned down" is someome that can be more easily controlled by targeted ads, algorithms, etc. Although I doubt that's intentional.
(Also CK mentions "appealing to the gatekeepers" later on in the vid which is the only reason I bought it up, I agree with the overall sentiment obviously!)