Kairos Futures, a European Futures publication, has a very cool article based on a study the conducted that I participated in. The study takes a broad look at how individuals, particularly younger Europeans, feel the need to expose and broadcast their personal lives openly for all to see. The insinuation is the act of sharing helps to shape you identity and shape the image that others have of your identity.
In a historical context there are two important societal shifts that have brought about the importance of identity building: the shift from strict social hierarchy to meritocracy and the shift from collectivism to individualism. Today, people are mostly judged by their own merits and accomplishments and less by where they come from.
That being th case it seems clear that to survive in the meritocracy it is key to broadcast all of your individual accomplishments as well as make sure that you are being a part of the collective forward movement. To be active is to belong, and to be long is to be valuable. We are now living our life not for ourselves but for the perception of other.
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