What a fascinating post Tanja. I had never heard of the concept of "Main Character Syndrome" but you have outlined it well and of course, it is the key to all social media and getting followers. Megan Markle comes to mind! It's hard to break out of the syndrome I can see, and you have previously written comprehensively about narcissism. Unfortunately social media feeds the whole narcissist mindset and as you say the outcome paradoxically, is less connectedness. I wonder if there is a solution or whether we are all on a trajectory toward a narcissistic society under the rule of AI? I suppose it reminds us of the need for real connections which is quite difficult when everyone is so busy with their social media accounts!
Thank you, Reuben! I always enjoy your reflections—they add real depth. You’re right, Main Character Syndrome seems to be the secret sauce behind much of social media, with curated drama and filtered authenticity taking center stage (and yes, Meghan Markle might just be the unofficial ambassador!). Whether we’re drifting toward an AI-fueled narcissist utopia or not, perhaps the quiet act of noticing and staying present is already a form of resistance. Real connection might feel rare—but when it happens, it's more nourishing than ever. Let’s keep leaning into that, one human moment at a time.
I'm so tired of watching other people's fake lives. I know a woman who posted lovely photos of her Italian vacation with her husband on FB, then after coming home, cried to me on the phone how her husband ignored her or was distracted most of the time. Another friend posts photos of his feet or the ground while he bikes at midnight. Waste of time.
What a fascinating post Tanja. I had never heard of the concept of "Main Character Syndrome" but you have outlined it well and of course, it is the key to all social media and getting followers. Megan Markle comes to mind! It's hard to break out of the syndrome I can see, and you have previously written comprehensively about narcissism. Unfortunately social media feeds the whole narcissist mindset and as you say the outcome paradoxically, is less connectedness. I wonder if there is a solution or whether we are all on a trajectory toward a narcissistic society under the rule of AI? I suppose it reminds us of the need for real connections which is quite difficult when everyone is so busy with their social media accounts!
Thank you, Reuben! I always enjoy your reflections—they add real depth. You’re right, Main Character Syndrome seems to be the secret sauce behind much of social media, with curated drama and filtered authenticity taking center stage (and yes, Meghan Markle might just be the unofficial ambassador!). Whether we’re drifting toward an AI-fueled narcissist utopia or not, perhaps the quiet act of noticing and staying present is already a form of resistance. Real connection might feel rare—but when it happens, it's more nourishing than ever. Let’s keep leaning into that, one human moment at a time.
I'm so tired of watching other people's fake lives. I know a woman who posted lovely photos of her Italian vacation with her husband on FB, then after coming home, cried to me on the phone how her husband ignored her or was distracted most of the time. Another friend posts photos of his feet or the ground while he bikes at midnight. Waste of time.
Thank you, Carla, and you managed to put it into just three little words: Waste of time!