Social media is well-understood to be contributing to identity politics, but I’d argue it’s contributing to something deeper: identity paralysis. This condition is one in which we have a forced awareness of how everything we say and do — even the seemingly inconsequential, like the shoes we wear, or the airline we fly — reflects on us. It follows that our generation would also be uniquely drawn to brands that make us feel how we want…
When I give or receive something good, I focus on the benefit that this brings me, then I make a conscious effort to smile or to express my gratitude. I intentionally boost that positive feeling by changing my body language. Whenever I’m in a social context where I don’t know anyone, I pretend that I feel like I fit in. I make myself believe that I belong there, and that I feel as comfortable as can be. I stand up straighter, look people in the eyes, and tell myself that I’m the coolest person around.