I sometimes wonder if social media has actually just drugified an old human impulse. People have always wanted to be “known” for something. To be remembered, to stake claim in others’ cognitive real-estate, to become a staple. But this was once executed by grand achievements or a life dedicated to backbreaking work- and it wasn’t pursued by everyone. Now, the pursuit of praise has a shorter lifespan, and even more frivolous antecedents. Now, rather than the desire to be known having its root in a sort of subclinical narcissism which was reserved for only some, it has become a part of assimilating into Western culture. People, as you have pointed out, are becoming conditioned from day one to seek fleeting praise and affection from strangers, and to exploit every moment for the dopaminergic rush of attention.

I find myself equally guilty. And unfortunately, the very platform that we are communicating on has made large strides towards acting more as a social media landscape than a literary one.

As always, your thoughts strike at something deep within our cultural moment.