Hello Maren, Awesome post and I love your candor and openness.

1. This is behavior that can be witnessed everywhere, not just silicon valley. In fact, it is far worse in some Asian and European countries.
2. The tendency to fake or being insecure is a very human one, and not gender specific.
3. It is really no different now than it may have been in ancient times. The human mind and the ego that is behind it seeks to project success and one-upmanship at all times. It could be pretty explicit — as in alpha behavior — or very subtle. We can always spot it, both in ourselves and other people, if we just care to notice.

Overcoming the manifestations of the ego is a life-long endeavor and —for those who believe in reincarnation — a journey that transcends life times.

The only other thing I would add is that the more we try to live in the present moment and enjoy or love what we do, the more authentic we can be. Speculating on the future or reliving the past are fertile grounds for the ego, but it tends to disappear in the present moment. To be joyful needs us to be firmly rooted in the present and be grateful for everything we have.

Thank you again and best wishes for everything.