Chapter 1: The Downward Spiral of Society

Modern society is undoubtedly on a fast track to decline. Picture us racing towards a precipice in a shopping cart with no control, only some parked cars to break our fall. There are countless reasons to believe that contemporary life is in disarray, each worthy of critique. However, many of these issues are so ingrained in our everyday experiences that reversing them feels nearly impossible.

Enter TikTok, perhaps the most mind-numbing app currently available, which has led us down a troubling path that we desperately need to escape. While I wouldn't claim to be a TikTok aficionado, I've stumbled upon numerous videos showcasing dance tutorials. Admittedly, I’ve picked up a few moves and even managed to stop nervously biting my lip thanks to one of these instructors.

Recently, I came across an article in The New York Times that caught my attention, even in the depths of a crowded subway with poor internet reception. It discussed #Traumatok, a trending aspect of TikTok boasting nearly 600 million views. This segment suggests that challenges in decision-making, high achievement, or compulsive scrolling may stem not from mere indecision, ambition, or boredom, but rather from “trauma responses.”

Really? Is everyone now a victim who requires special treatment? This fixation on individual suffering has led many to spend significant portions of their lives crafting narratives of imagined distress. The weakness revealed in our collective response to modern challenges makes me yearn for a simpler existence among the Himba tribe in northern Namibia.

It’s alarming that even a simple “Hey, how are you?” can trigger someone into an emotional spiral of self-pity. The reality is that platforms like TikTok have convinced those who are genuinely unmotivated or indecisive that they are victims. This imagined, life-altering trauma unites users in a bizarre, tragicomic space labeled #Traumatok.

Of course, genuine victims exist, and it’s heartbreaking that they feel the need to seek solace in such a forum. Yet, when examining most of these sob stories, one can't help but wonder: What has happened to our society that individuals vie to outdo each other in recounting their childhood pains? Are these grievances genuinely so damaging, or do they mirror the struggles faced by generations past?

Consider reality television (I’m a fan of "Survivor" and recently watched "Cheer"). There's always a pivotal moment where someone shares their "trauma," prompting tears, emotional music, and affirmations of bravery from others.

I challenge you to visit the #Traumatok link above and witness the spectacle for yourself. It’s frightening to think this is what we've become.

In a time when the right to vote for non-Trump supporters is being curtailed in 19 states, many young people, who will eventually navigate the crisis of climate change, seem preoccupied with finding something or someone to "offend" them. They adorn their posts with melodramatic hashtags like “#traumahealing,” lamenting how they were “forced” to behave as children. This represents a troubling regurgitation of psychological jargon, focusing solely on the self.

After spending half an hour watching this train wreck unfold, all I heard was “me, me, me.” Not once did I hear anyone advocate for saving our planet or fighting against voter suppression. The entirety of this generation's focus appears to revolve around their trivial, self-centered issues.

One poster’s reflection struck me deeply:

“This is going to be deep. My parents weren’t trying to cause me trauma. They were dealing with their own unprocessed trauma, which they unknowingly passed on to me.”

Watching this young man reminded me of a passage from John Knowles' classic novel "A Separate Peace," where Gene shakes a branch, causing Finny to fall and break his leg. It feels as though this generation is so disengaged from reality that they fabricate these drama-traumas and seek validation from their peers.

I suspect that a movement will soon emerge from these individuals, possibly titled #Dontcallmelazy or #SowhatifIambored. There is real trauma in the world that doesn't require fabrication. The COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts of Trumpism, job losses, systemic racism, and events like January 6th have all inflicted genuine trauma on our society.

In summary, the American experience appears to be failing, and the chaos, frustration, and trauma we observe are reactions to this failure. QAnon wouldn’t have taken root if people weren't grappling with an overwhelming sense of instability.

In the current TikTok lexicon, nearly any behavior can be classified as a trauma response: struggling with decisions, overpreparing, or even scrolling endlessly on social media. This period of COVID-related “introspection,” where many have engaged excessively with platforms like TikTok, has negatively impacted the mental health of numerous individuals.

Imagine spending countless hours absorbing the unfiltered nonsense from #Traumatok. It’s no wonder that someone, possibly a self-styled TikTok coach, might look you in the eye and declare, “Are you a people pleaser? That’s your trauma response.” Suddenly, you remember how you used to act silly during your parents’ arguments to lighten the mood.

This leads to a troubling realization: “Oh my God, that’s why at 22 I’ve held 23 jobs and attended nine colleges.”

At this point, I have to call out the absurdity. The “Gong Show” bell is ringing.

Shekhar Saxena, a professor of global mental health, aptly points out, “If people are aggrieved, then the reason for that needs to be removed.” The focus should be on improving unhealthy work environments and communities rather than perpetuating a cycle of self-pity.

With humanity approaching a future where most jobs will be unfulfilling, the need for engaging narratives will become even more pronounced. For many young people today, the idea of a fulfilling career feels unattainable, leaving them to focus on these imagined traumas.

Perhaps there’s a sliver of hope amidst this chaos. The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked essential conversations about societal issues, pushing more individuals to think critically about our current state. It’s time to transform these discussions into meaningful actions.

Maybe I’m simply aging and find this incessant self-pity disheartening. Perhaps, in today’s terms, I write on Medium not out of desire, but as a reflection of my own trauma response. Yet, I wouldn’t presume anyone beyond myself or my cat would find my musings compelling.