Spotting A True Narcissist In An Attention Economy
I recently set up an Instagram account and began posting. I tried to make natural poses, and include inspiring quotes which reflected my authentic experience as a writer. Yet after just three posts, I had an undeniable sense that I was entering into narcissistic territory. From this discomfort sprang a series of connected thoughts aimed at reassuring me. I began telling myself: This is how the world is now. There are millions of content creators online, fighting for attention. This is how you promote your business. We live in an attention economy. This is normal.
Job Title: Professional Narcissist
Browsing through TikTok and Instagram, it doesn’t take long to spot someone dancing or pulling off a stunt. Provocative titles lead you into homemade sketch comedy, many starring a busty woman in revealing clothing with her partner-in-crime. Other times the video is simpler and more direct. A woman or man simply stands in a pose, making micro movements or turns to put themselves on display. They may be promoting the clothing they are wearing, but often not.
The advent of social media has made gaining attention not only socially acceptable, but an indispensable part of our economy. Many people’s livelihoods now depend on the eyeballs of the many. For a true narcissist, the money would be nice to have, yet the undivided adoration of thousands or even millions of followers is where the gold is. A steady stream of anonymous likes, notifications and comments create a kind of virtual narcissistic supply.
So what would happen if all of this virtual supply dried up? Even if this content creator or influencer still had all the money in the world, how would they feel? The same as any narcissist, in all likelihood. They would feel the pain of narcissistic withdrawal.
