When all the world’s always a stage thanks to the ubiquity of social media, we reach a point when our happiness is happiness only if it is validated by “friends” on social networks. A cycle of inadequacy, envy and angst follows. Evolution might have hardwired this in us, but it’s possible to think beyond.
The “fakeness” in influencer marketing is only a symptom of a malaise that is present at all levels of society. The CXOs/thought leaders who use agencies to build a personal brand are exhibiting the same duplicity. The secondary consequences on society, thanks to AI driven media creation and consumption, are probably beyond our influence now!
In the last few years, I have increasingly seen a couple of elements of Kerala’s culture being hijacked – movies and Onam. As a part of the audience that has a direct relationship with both, I wonder when cultural exchange moves to cultural appropriation.
Recent thoughts, and a conversation, made me wonder if I am in a comfort zone, at least in my non-professional life. Some of it is probably FOMO, since there is so much literature on how growth continues by stepping out of the comfort zone. But it is worth a thought, and probably a good way to provide direction on life ahead.
Our paradoxical needs – to “stand out” and “belong” are both a result of different combinations of happiness, contentment, self image and ego. Ways to make our lives meaningful and/or relevant. Is it possible to live even without that agenda?