what would you call the strange form of trauma addiction that seems to exist in this early part of the internet information age? it centers around people who insist that they are 'informed', but they have an addict energy about them, and seem to be drawn toward alarmism and anxiety. I dont think it can be written off as 'oh those people'. it seems like a real mental trap that people can fall into because we havent yet acknowledged its a real trap to avoid in this information age.
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theres more to it than that though. its like its the same root, but whether it manifests as outrage, or anxiousness depends on the person. something like “information trauma addiction”. or something of that ilk. 🤷
Idk. Definitely an Alice in wonderland affect. I think once people discover that what they believe is a lie, they chase the white rabbit looking for something real to hold onto. They just keep coming up with more lies.
I think that's where the manic energy comes in. They're not wrong though (if we're talking about the same type of people)... Virtually everything we see and hear is controlled, they're just looking on the wrong place for truth.
"Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's..."
I don't think it's a "trap" that affects all people equally. Everyone I've met who is like that is just low-IQ in general. They see the carrot, but not the stick. They buy cars because they like the color. They read headlines, but not the article. Left side of the Dunning-Kruger chart. Sometimes they initially fool you because they went to college and listened to some smart people stuff.
I talked to one of these about using Signal instead of SMS, and now he's in a sovereign citizen group talking about "traveling" until Q saves the world. One carrot after another.
Detric bonhofer wrote a brilliant article on the theory of stupidity. He has a few rules about stupidity and defines what it is to be stupid. Once you see it it cant be unseen. People that lack discernment. And yes they can even be doctors!
They're likely not getting dopamine release from their real lives so they then turn to the Internet to get it. Then the subset of people that get it from the niche you're talking about get into this continuous feedback loop to get that next hit.
that is interesting
I'd also add that society has become very isolationist with the advent of the Internet and social media. COVID really kicked that sumbitch into hyperdrive, too. People are sad and lonely if you look at stats on single and divorced folks.
So those people long for a place to belong. Just lots of interpersonal dynamics at play here.
yeah that is definitely a dynamic at work. it makes me sad for people. but i get it.