The Next Generation of Status Symbols are Untouchable, Literally
Culture is redefining status due to technological advancements and societal shifts, and as a consequence, redefining status symbols. With these advancements and shifts in motion, people are less enthusiastic about tangible, status symbols like designer belts and luxury watches and more enthusiastic about intangible, status symbols like values, community, and well-being. Don’t get me wrong, luxury watches are great (and indicative of success), but people are increasingly interested in their own inner workings, rather than the inner workings of a watch. People are virtuously investing in themselves, and others — intangible indications of status trumping the tangibles. Let’s consider three examples.
1. Values
Historically, the value of material status symbols was quite visible across society, with crowds sprinkled with designer logos and luxury goods. Although, the new generation of status symbols are permeating society, inconspicuously. Take for example, values. Despite their intangible, untouchable nature, the value of values cannot be overstated.
Today, expressions of personal values are indicators of high social status. Those who embrace and act with high integrity, authenticity, and virtue are valued within society for the benefit they provide to those around them. Moral actions reflect one’s character and also support the acquisition of influence within society. Further, individuals may find it fitting to commit to causes and initiatives that are larger than themselves.
While the value of values isn’t new, technological advancements and societal shifts are certainly magnifying their reach and importance. This is good. Especially because values are ultimately woven into the community, influencing the social fabric. Speaking of community, let’s turn to the second example.
2. Community
The way we acquire and showcase status amongst others is changing. It used to be the case that social status was granted by being born into the “right family”. From there, our concept of status progressed. Status can now be attained through the Four A’s: abilities, accomplishments, affiliations, and associations. And a status symbol relating to your accomplishments might be the alma mater ring wrapped around your finger. Although, society continues to progress the concept of status to include not only what you do for yourself, but what you do for others. In other words, the value you bring to the community around you.
There is no denying that humans are wired for connection. Therefore, belonging and contributing to a community is a valuable part of the human experience. The question then becomes: who are you connecting with and why? Technological advancements and societal shifts enable us to connect on relevancy over proximity, empowering communities to exist based on shared values and goals (while being geographically agnostic).
Whether online or in real life, community provides the opportunity to contribute and receive value from others, through access, resources, and opportunities. Aligning with a certain group of people may very well serve as a status symbol, especially when it’s a high-value or exclusive network.
3. Well-being
The third example of the next generation of status symbols is well-being, which is starting to compete with the hustle culture aka working long hours and foregoing self-care. Physical, mental, and spiritual health are prized possessions, which dominate all tangible possessions. The optimization of well-being is now the crème-de-le-crème of success, and therefore a status symbol (albeit an intangible one). People are investing their time, energy, and money into understanding and optimizing their inner workings — and technological advancements are supportive. Apple watch or Oura ring, anyone?
People are recognizing that hustling to make money, only to buy “high-status”, material goods is a thing of the past. The joy you get from purchasing a new object usually declines with time; anywhere from six to eight weeks and up to three months after purchase.[1] On the other side of the coin, joy tends to increase as one’s well-being increases. Maintaining and sustaining well-being requires commitment, determination, and resolve. Coincidentally, these are traits deemed highly attractive within communities. The bottom line: investing in yourself provides a great return on investment.
The next generation status symbols are untouchable. As status undergoes a renaissance, so too do the symbols that signify status; emphasizing the intrinsic value of the individual based on their values, community, and well-being rather than their material possessions. These are now the true measures of status; they are the benchmarks for success.
Be untouchable.
