You are the first person I’ve heard identify the root cause of what’s really happening here; something that finally makes sense of it all. It’s really sad to think that this generation is so lonely they have to go to such lengths for a sense of belonging. I was one of those that just rolled my eyes. Now my heart breaks for them.
Thank you and I'm glad to help show you what I started seeing. I no longer get upset or really even want to make fun of them...I have too much empathy for them.
With maturity, Bonita, your innate compassion revealed itself.
I've spent decades pondering how societal demand for constant "happiness" (an ephemeral state one should enjoy and appreciate when it is momentarily present) has virtually destroyed the ability of most to find contentment (a mild, sustainable and rewarding constancy that can be achieved through effort.)
There are many factors contributing to the rise in mental disorders. Loneliness brought on by dependence on technology and a loss of ability to interact in a healthy way with others, along with a breakdown of the male-female bond.
I agree with you, but these changes affect some people far more than others because of their psychological predisposition. And we as a society are allowing them (and in some cases monetizing them) to lash out at the rest of society. This then demoralizes people that do not have Cluster B and makes them unwilling to criticize anti-social and self-destructive behavior. Worse we have ideologies that valorize such behavior.
If we could push a magic button and make Cluster B disappear, I think society would reset very quickly. Unfortunately, this is not possible. For now spreading awareness is the only path to a solution.
A solution would be to find an equitable and feasible way to address the underlying conditions that Cluster B people "suffer" from. Learning how to reach out to them, guide them to find help, and work through determining what each of them needs to manage thier desires and propensities that isn't detrimental to themselvesz others, or society. There's always a way, it just takes time, innovation, and determination.
Unfortunately, my understanding from the psychology literature is that there is no proven cure. They typically do not have the self-awareness to even know they have a problem. They think the problem is everyone else.
There is some evidence for treatment of Borderline.
Fortunately, the discipline of psychology is gradually improving. They may come up with cure, but it will likely take generations.
Rather than reaching out, you should keep your distance.
Social Media is anything but social. It appears more destructive to youth. Sadly WOKE is hindering research in the social sciences. Hopefully we as a society can return to a place where science can return to a non-political factual reality to find help for people.
Yes, I am very glad that the topic is finally getting attention. I have been stumbling towards it in my thinking for the past few years, but could not figure out what it was until I started reading psychological text books. Then it all made sense.
Recently it seems to be going somewhat mainstream. I hope that it is not a temporary fashion.
You phrased it much more politely than I would have.
The current en vogue nature of trans and its aligned new spectrum of identities is just performative victim/virtue signalling. They are just so desperate to be seen as special without actually doing anything worthy. Plus, it shields them from being seen as the dreaded oppressor class, which is why it manifests itself almost entirely amongst the white middle class adolescents and their enablers. It's a new take on the old marxist recruiting of "I hate my father" along with Maoist struggle sessions and in-group signalling. And being marxist derived, there's no dissent allowed.
This desperate need to feel special originates in technology separating us from face-to-face interactions, along with something I mentioned in a comment above: the breakdown of the male-female bond.
I am making my way through a paper on transhumanism written by a doctor and published in a philosophy/medical journal in 2010. It is way over my head as it uses the work of Heidegger as a launching point. The gist of it is that transhumanists want to use technology to create the post-human by transcending the constraints of biology. Instead of evolution happening to us, evolution is to be what humans do - to direct it. While seemingly fringe theories in the early 2000s, we see the imprints everywhere. Fifty years ago if someone was prancing about believing they were a cat, they would be under psychiatric care. Now they receive likes on TikTok for their bravery. Trying to be the creator of one's own reality, reveals it is an empty and hollow place.
The MOST interesting thing about this concept are the stories surrounding EVERY advanced civilization that has ever made it to this point has been wiped out. Think about how many stories you’ve heard of human+ hybrids… and none seem to last long after that….
I don’t understand Heidegger so it’s tough. You want to think it is all fringe nonsense but I now see it filters into society. Without such theories I don’t think you would have doctors believing in transitioning surgeries for minors believing they can transcend biology. And the young are expendable in a dangerous experiment. Dr Breggins and his wife recently interviewed a scientist who is an expert in ethics. She discussed how there are experiments going on fusing animal and human DNA. I have to wonder if people pretending they are animals are an echo of this phenomenon. Will people pretend they are spiders so they can try and climb walls? Three years ago, I would have read my current thoughts and deemed me a nut. But now I follow the bread crumbs
To make it a little more comprehensible, I've read that a single goal AI is like a lizard. Reactionary, calculating, single-minded, and cold-blooded. Then they basically made the case that we WERE actually creating something more like an ancient snake-god out of AI.
“leftist ideology which projects that something is wrong with society and not them”. Bingo! Give the man a cigar. This is a very succinct summary of what is happening for some of our youth. It’s very sad.
Part of the "advantage" of being on the "right" is that so many of us don't fit the allowed "intersectional" victim groups. We have some, but we also have others that make us the "enemy." Adding "military" is a big one, I've found.
Do not be distracted by what activists and influencers say. Their behaviors betray their real intentions. The words are merely social camouflage that enables them to do what they really want to do.
very insightful. however the core problem ... our shared core problem , as it were, is that the ideology calling to them is something like psychopathic marxism for the nihilistic.
whether they come to this as a democrat, a dragon, or a disaffected student, the ideological replaces individual agency.
This is enlightening. It explains something I’ve been concerned about with lesbian friends and acquaintances. Five years ago things were normal. Now, I sense an uncertainty, as if they are now strangers who know they won’t be accepted. Like these young people, it’s a move away from the general community. Isn’t this how you know you are in an abusive relationship (or a cult)...when your abuser separates you from loved ones and others by disparaging them or lying about how those others feel about you? Then you are isolated and under the abuser’s full control. Maybe the next step for the kidnapper of your self-esteem is to turn you into Patty Hearst, a soldier for the cause.
For those of us over 40, I often wonder what my 14 year old self would have become had I been immersed in the online world. Think of who you were then, your challenges and the ways you sought to find your place. Some empathy is most certainly required,but more than anything right now, is honesty and truth. That we sit back and watch this pathology play out everyday around us en masse is diabolical. I don’t fear war, climate change or some other catastrophe, but I do fear the citizens we are creating that will have zero means to deal with the future.
Thanks for this, Adam. For me, social media represents the final destination of our individual and collective estrangement in all ways: spiritual, social, emotional, and -- finally, per your keen observations -- physical. In that order.
Like any addiction to any other narcotic, our meta-addiction to all things digital and all things media (including social media, of course) begins as spiritual estrangement and detachment...then flows downstream as a toxic tributary to pollute the social and emotional waters it encounters en route. Our physical selves are like the reservoir fed by the estrangement watershed -- where all of the toxins collected along the way are emptied.
What we see and hear on TikTok and elsewhere in the media ecosphere is what happens when spiritual, social, emotional, and -- finally -- physical estrangement finds a host who surrenders everything to it.
This reflects so much of my own experience. I was weird and timid and spent a lot of time trying to fit in but ultimately always being on the outside of every peer group I tried entering. It left me lost and without any solid relationships. I questioned my identity, my purpose, my sexuality - I had no bearing and mostly negative feedback. I was very good at being independent but my social skills suffered.
Even the rigor and discipline of the military didn't complete me or repair the damage - though it gave me the foundation.
It took me many years of self reflection and self-care to find my way out of the depression; I had to force myself to grow up and shed the need to belong.
I'm now happily married and have a (small) group of peers and friends that I have good relationships with - though I'm perfectly ok doing my own thing.
I see what these people are going through and my heart yerns to help them find their path through it. I just don't know how.
I don't have a savior complex, I have my own life to manage, and I am terrible at planning or social organization. But I think perhaps I am at another crossroads of growth.
We need to open our hearts and minds and find a way to reach them. We need to dismantle the facade that's been erected.
We need to show them compassionate tough love and personal responsibility. We need to give them a better community where they would want to belong.
I read the title to your piece but didn't have time to read it until today. The title says it all. I went to the store last night and saw a young person working there. They had the voice of a girl, was wearing nail polish (black) and seem depressed at best. The name tag said Miles. I'm not sure what imagine they were trying to share but as you pointed out, they are in that young age group and appeared to be lonely. It may seem to simplistic, but our nation is now a nation over run with mental health issues. From mass shooters, to people identifying as cats; and we the people, don't know how to deal with this. There are probably more internet groups out there that encourage the dysfunctional behavior than there are that offer solutions to this health crisis. We can discuss and search for root causes all day, but what can we do to provide sustainable solutions to this issue? How do we prevent people from manipulating those who truly need assistance?
I think we have to first start at home. Take care of our children first and then if you see any children who are falling through the cracks, then try to reach out and save them from being forgotten.
Truth; which is why we all should work on focusing on the family and the life of a child at home. Seems that's where all issues start and where the start of certain issues could be prevented.
Jordan Peterson's closing remarks at his ARC conference were on this topic. Said we find meaning in our lives through service. To yourself (make your bed), friends, spouse, children, community, etc.
You are the first person I’ve heard identify the root cause of what’s really happening here; something that finally makes sense of it all. It’s really sad to think that this generation is so lonely they have to go to such lengths for a sense of belonging. I was one of those that just rolled my eyes. Now my heart breaks for them.
Thank you and I'm glad to help show you what I started seeing. I no longer get upset or really even want to make fun of them...I have too much empathy for them.
I have found my heart leaning more toward empathy as well lately. Very well written article, thank you.
With maturity, Bonita, your innate compassion revealed itself.
I've spent decades pondering how societal demand for constant "happiness" (an ephemeral state one should enjoy and appreciate when it is momentarily present) has virtually destroyed the ability of most to find contentment (a mild, sustainable and rewarding constancy that can be achieved through effort.)
Great article, but I think that you need to go one step deeper: the cause of the loneliness. It is not just lack of social interaction.
I would recommend doing research on Cluster B mental disorders and their relationship with political ideologies. It is eye-opening.
There are many factors contributing to the rise in mental disorders. Loneliness brought on by dependence on technology and a loss of ability to interact in a healthy way with others, along with a breakdown of the male-female bond.
Absolutely. There are a lot of deep issues going on.
I agree with you, but these changes affect some people far more than others because of their psychological predisposition. And we as a society are allowing them (and in some cases monetizing them) to lash out at the rest of society. This then demoralizes people that do not have Cluster B and makes them unwilling to criticize anti-social and self-destructive behavior. Worse we have ideologies that valorize such behavior.
If we could push a magic button and make Cluster B disappear, I think society would reset very quickly. Unfortunately, this is not possible. For now spreading awareness is the only path to a solution.
This link is very topical. After skool and Academy of ideas produced. Entitled Mass Psychosis: how an entire population becomes mentally ill.
https://youtu.be/09maaUaRT4M?si=C61HFnCG-afT9aZ8
A solution would be to find an equitable and feasible way to address the underlying conditions that Cluster B people "suffer" from. Learning how to reach out to them, guide them to find help, and work through determining what each of them needs to manage thier desires and propensities that isn't detrimental to themselvesz others, or society. There's always a way, it just takes time, innovation, and determination.
Unfortunately, my understanding from the psychology literature is that there is no proven cure. They typically do not have the self-awareness to even know they have a problem. They think the problem is everyone else.
There is some evidence for treatment of Borderline.
Fortunately, the discipline of psychology is gradually improving. They may come up with cure, but it will likely take generations.
Rather than reaching out, you should keep your distance.
Social Media is anything but social. It appears more destructive to youth. Sadly WOKE is hindering research in the social sciences. Hopefully we as a society can return to a place where science can return to a non-political factual reality to find help for people.
Cluster B is very much en vogue these days.
Yes, I am very glad that the topic is finally getting attention. I have been stumbling towards it in my thinking for the past few years, but could not figure out what it was until I started reading psychological text books. Then it all made sense.
Recently it seems to be going somewhat mainstream. I hope that it is not a temporary fashion.
"It's no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." Jiddu Krishnamurti
Isn't it past time to consider that we have this all back to front ...?
Nope
Anyone who thinks society is sick needs to realize that they are actually the sick one.
I'd say it's a lot like skin cancer. Much of our body is healthy and unaffected... for now.
But if we continue to let it spread it'll kill us..
You phrased it much more politely than I would have.
The current en vogue nature of trans and its aligned new spectrum of identities is just performative victim/virtue signalling. They are just so desperate to be seen as special without actually doing anything worthy. Plus, it shields them from being seen as the dreaded oppressor class, which is why it manifests itself almost entirely amongst the white middle class adolescents and their enablers. It's a new take on the old marxist recruiting of "I hate my father" along with Maoist struggle sessions and in-group signalling. And being marxist derived, there's no dissent allowed.
This desperate need to feel special originates in technology separating us from face-to-face interactions, along with something I mentioned in a comment above: the breakdown of the male-female bond.
I am making my way through a paper on transhumanism written by a doctor and published in a philosophy/medical journal in 2010. It is way over my head as it uses the work of Heidegger as a launching point. The gist of it is that transhumanists want to use technology to create the post-human by transcending the constraints of biology. Instead of evolution happening to us, evolution is to be what humans do - to direct it. While seemingly fringe theories in the early 2000s, we see the imprints everywhere. Fifty years ago if someone was prancing about believing they were a cat, they would be under psychiatric care. Now they receive likes on TikTok for their bravery. Trying to be the creator of one's own reality, reveals it is an empty and hollow place.
The MOST interesting thing about this concept are the stories surrounding EVERY advanced civilization that has ever made it to this point has been wiped out. Think about how many stories you’ve heard of human+ hybrids… and none seem to last long after that….
What paper is it? I'm reading up more about transhumanism.
Here is the link. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21088098/
I don’t understand Heidegger so it’s tough. You want to think it is all fringe nonsense but I now see it filters into society. Without such theories I don’t think you would have doctors believing in transitioning surgeries for minors believing they can transcend biology. And the young are expendable in a dangerous experiment. Dr Breggins and his wife recently interviewed a scientist who is an expert in ethics. She discussed how there are experiments going on fusing animal and human DNA. I have to wonder if people pretending they are animals are an echo of this phenomenon. Will people pretend they are spiders so they can try and climb walls? Three years ago, I would have read my current thoughts and deemed me a nut. But now I follow the bread crumbs
To make it a little more comprehensible, I've read that a single goal AI is like a lizard. Reactionary, calculating, single-minded, and cold-blooded. Then they basically made the case that we WERE actually creating something more like an ancient snake-god out of AI.
“leftist ideology which projects that something is wrong with society and not them”. Bingo! Give the man a cigar. This is a very succinct summary of what is happening for some of our youth. It’s very sad.
Thank you and I agree.
Yes!
Check out Josh Slocum's Disaffected Newsletter.
Part of the "advantage" of being on the "right" is that so many of us don't fit the allowed "intersectional" victim groups. We have some, but we also have others that make us the "enemy." Adding "military" is a big one, I've found.
I occasionally watch his podcast. He actually follows my Substack too. I like Josh.
Yes, this is what I say: Hit the mute button.
Do not be distracted by what activists and influencers say. Their behaviors betray their real intentions. The words are merely social camouflage that enables them to do what they really want to do.
Exactly 💯
very insightful. however the core problem ... our shared core problem , as it were, is that the ideology calling to them is something like psychopathic marxism for the nihilistic.
whether they come to this as a democrat, a dragon, or a disaffected student, the ideological replaces individual agency.
This is enlightening. It explains something I’ve been concerned about with lesbian friends and acquaintances. Five years ago things were normal. Now, I sense an uncertainty, as if they are now strangers who know they won’t be accepted. Like these young people, it’s a move away from the general community. Isn’t this how you know you are in an abusive relationship (or a cult)...when your abuser separates you from loved ones and others by disparaging them or lying about how those others feel about you? Then you are isolated and under the abuser’s full control. Maybe the next step for the kidnapper of your self-esteem is to turn you into Patty Hearst, a soldier for the cause.
Look no further than the elite university students.
For those of us over 40, I often wonder what my 14 year old self would have become had I been immersed in the online world. Think of who you were then, your challenges and the ways you sought to find your place. Some empathy is most certainly required,but more than anything right now, is honesty and truth. That we sit back and watch this pathology play out everyday around us en masse is diabolical. I don’t fear war, climate change or some other catastrophe, but I do fear the citizens we are creating that will have zero means to deal with the future.
Well said and I share your concern.
Thanks for this, Adam. For me, social media represents the final destination of our individual and collective estrangement in all ways: spiritual, social, emotional, and -- finally, per your keen observations -- physical. In that order.
Like any addiction to any other narcotic, our meta-addiction to all things digital and all things media (including social media, of course) begins as spiritual estrangement and detachment...then flows downstream as a toxic tributary to pollute the social and emotional waters it encounters en route. Our physical selves are like the reservoir fed by the estrangement watershed -- where all of the toxins collected along the way are emptied.
What we see and hear on TikTok and elsewhere in the media ecosphere is what happens when spiritual, social, emotional, and -- finally -- physical estrangement finds a host who surrenders everything to it.
This reflects so much of my own experience. I was weird and timid and spent a lot of time trying to fit in but ultimately always being on the outside of every peer group I tried entering. It left me lost and without any solid relationships. I questioned my identity, my purpose, my sexuality - I had no bearing and mostly negative feedback. I was very good at being independent but my social skills suffered.
Even the rigor and discipline of the military didn't complete me or repair the damage - though it gave me the foundation.
It took me many years of self reflection and self-care to find my way out of the depression; I had to force myself to grow up and shed the need to belong.
I'm now happily married and have a (small) group of peers and friends that I have good relationships with - though I'm perfectly ok doing my own thing.
I see what these people are going through and my heart yerns to help them find their path through it. I just don't know how.
I don't have a savior complex, I have my own life to manage, and I am terrible at planning or social organization. But I think perhaps I am at another crossroads of growth.
We need to open our hearts and minds and find a way to reach them. We need to dismantle the facade that's been erected.
We need to show them compassionate tough love and personal responsibility. We need to give them a better community where they would want to belong.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I'm so glad you were able to make it through.
I read the title to your piece but didn't have time to read it until today. The title says it all. I went to the store last night and saw a young person working there. They had the voice of a girl, was wearing nail polish (black) and seem depressed at best. The name tag said Miles. I'm not sure what imagine they were trying to share but as you pointed out, they are in that young age group and appeared to be lonely. It may seem to simplistic, but our nation is now a nation over run with mental health issues. From mass shooters, to people identifying as cats; and we the people, don't know how to deal with this. There are probably more internet groups out there that encourage the dysfunctional behavior than there are that offer solutions to this health crisis. We can discuss and search for root causes all day, but what can we do to provide sustainable solutions to this issue? How do we prevent people from manipulating those who truly need assistance?
I think we have to first start at home. Take care of our children first and then if you see any children who are falling through the cracks, then try to reach out and save them from being forgotten.
Truth; which is why we all should work on focusing on the family and the life of a child at home. Seems that's where all issues start and where the start of certain issues could be prevented.
Compassionate and wise. Well done.
Thank you so much
Jordan Peterson's closing remarks at his ARC conference were on this topic. Said we find meaning in our lives through service. To yourself (make your bed), friends, spouse, children, community, etc.
I believed some crazy things when I was young. What I find interesting is: Had you challenged them, I would have gotten upset.
But underneath, at a more basic than conscious level, I knew they were not true--even as I believed them.
I think these young people might be similar.