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Just a short reflection on life based on the content from Andrew Callaghan’s YouTube show All Gas No Brakes, enjoy.
Disclaimer: the article describes US realities, but I’m sure the trend is true for lots of other countries, too.
People on the Fringes
Examples: flat-earthers, conspiracy theorists, people believing in magic, etc.
Traditional institutions the once provided purpose and kinship are failing, and the fringe is filling the void.
People want brotherhood at all costs, out of emptiness.
Pew Research: religion, relationships with friends and family and work are the primary sources of meaning. All three are in decline now.
Work transformed into gig economy, belonging disappears, religion is in decline.
Fringe communities provide a sense of purpose and community – something traditional institutions fail at.
Is Facebook to Blame?
An easy target, but no. Social media simply amplify the pre-existing conditions.
One of the underlying factors is the loss of meaning.
[MK: the loss of meaning is by far not a new phenomenon. There’s a famous 1980 book - yes, 40 years old – “Burn-Out: The High Cost of Achievement”, which lists the abovementioned issues in a slightly different way. Actually, here’s its review.]
P.S. If you need mental help, please talk to medical professionals or organisations like Beyond Blue [Australia] or its equivalent in your country.