(Opinion)
Now is the time my friends to learn everything we can about our opponents as well as ourselves because one; they are always going to be our opponents, they are the negative to our positive and one cannot exist without the other so, we as a species are stuck with them for eternity. And two, on a fundamental level we are our opponents so understanding ourselves is how we understand them.
So, in my opinion at least it would behoove us to gain as much understanding as we can so that we can not only identify the mentality but more importantly find out what it takes to break through the psychological manipulations hold on them. That after all is still our primary goal is it not? The way we do that is by learning about the psychological processes that are driving them. Not as an adversary but as a human being because at one time I was just like them, and I never allow myself to forget that.
Now, before moving on I am going to do something a little different with this. I am going to talk about disorders, and I want you to connect them to whatever context or multiple contexts you think they belong to based on your own observations. No tests, no wrong answers, it's a thought exercise that ties a lot of other things I have written about together and I am starting with one everyone should recognize if they spend any time at all on social media.
Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional and nothing I say should be taken as a diagnosis or treatment. I am just a guy with a lifelong passion for understanding human behavior and all of my content is for educational or entertainment purposes only. If you feel you are experiencing any kind of mental disorder, please seek professional help as soon as you are able to as time is a factor. The longer you let it go the worse it can get and usually does.
Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is a popular psychological trend that describes a way of thinking where individuals see themselves as the leading character in their own life story. This perspective often leads to an inflated sense of self-importance, making one’s personal experiences seem more vital than those of others. While this might seem harmless, it can lead to problems such as self-absorption, reduced empathy, and skewed perceptions of reality. Research indicates that up to 70% of individuals may display some degree of self-centered behavior, especially in social settings.
People with Main Character Syndrome tend to prioritize their narratives over others. This behavior may include consistently sharing their own experiences in conversations or feeling offended if they perceive others receiving more recognition. The rise of social media has intensified these tendencies, as it cultivates a culture centered on narcissism and competition for attention.
The term "Main Character Syndrome" began to circulate in the early 2000s, but it gained real momentum on platforms like TikTok and Twitter recently. Young people often resonate with this concept as they navigate the stresses of modern life, especially in a digital world that encourages self-promotion and popularity.
The origins of Main Character Syndrome do not belong to any one person; rather, the idea has emerged from various discussions in psychology and culture. However, its visibility surged thanks to social media influencers and mental health advocates who warned against self-centeredness in the digital age. Social media was its segue into mainstream psychology, so it is still a relatively new theory in and of itself that I happen to agree with.
Although the concept has evolved, elements of it can be traced back to the works of psychologists and philosophers who considered the nature of subjective experience. For instance, Dr. Erik Erikson explored similar ideas in the mid-20th century, focusing on identity formation and the importance of narratives in individual development.
Dr. Erik Erikson was a noted German American psychologist recognized for his groundbreaking theories on psychosocial development. He was born on June 15, 1902, in Frankfurt, Germany, and later moved to the United States in 1933. His personal struggles with identity, due to his mixed heritage, shaped much of his work.
In 1950, Erikson published "Childhood and Society," (Preview) where he introduced an eight-stage model of human development. This model emphasizes that our social relationships significantly influence our personalities and perspectives. His research paved the way for understanding how people form their identities, which is crucial for the personal narratives we all construct.
Psychological research really only sheds light on the cognitive and emotional aspects of Main Character Syndrome. While there aren’t many specific studies focusing directly on MCS, related concepts provide valuable insights into its development.
Narcissism and MCS
Narcissism refers to an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a strong desire for admiration. A study by Twenge and Campbell (Preview) Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The narcissism epidemic: Living in the age of entitlement. Free Press. found that narcissistic traits have increased among younger generations, potentially due to societal shifts toward self-promotion and personal success.
Those exhibiting Main Character Syndrome also by default show narcissistic symptoms, viewing their narrative as a universal truth. This perception can lead to strained relationships, as friends and family might feel sidelined in favor of the MCS individual's own storyline. Research indicates about 25% of millennials report difficulties in their relationships due to this mindset.
Social Comparison Theory
Leon Festinger introduced social comparison theory in 1954, (Another theory I agree with) suggesting that people assess their opinions and abilities by comparing themselves to others. In the context of social media, individuals with MCS might frequently compare themselves to idealized versions of others.
This theory suggests that people seek self-awareness through interpersonal relationships. However, when someone becomes overly focused on their role as the main character, it can lead to distorted self-perceptions and diminished appreciation for shared experiences.
Self-Concept and Identity Formation
A significant part of the psychology behind Main Character Syndrome connects to self-concept—the view individuals hold of themselves. Erikson's theory on identity formation emphasizes the role of society in shaping personal narratives.
People with a strong self-concept often thrive on personal attention, believing they are central to their narratives. Yet, an inflated self-concept can lead to an inability to acknowledge the shared experiences of life, resulting in loneliness and damaging relationships. According to recent surveys, about 60% of young adults have mentioned isolation feelings linked to self-focused behaviors.
Societal Perspectives
As Main Character Syndrome becomes more recognized, it raises questions about societal values. The normalization of self-centered narratives in media can perpetuate attitudes that promote self-interests over community well-being. This shift can have negative repercussions in areas like workplace collaboration and social scenarios, contributing to a sense of disconnection from reality.
I must interject here that we are not talking about individualism, MCS is way past simple individualism, but I think one can see how it can be twisted to make individualism look bad and collectivism look good. Just saying.
Coexistence with Mental Health Issues
Moreover, people with Main Character Syndrome are likely also dealing with other underlying poor mental health symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. Studies show that feelings of inadequacy can arise when reality does not match their self-perceived narratives, leading to cycles of dissatisfaction, loneliness and acting out in negative ways to garner any type of attention they can get. It is like an addict constantly seeking their addiction because that is exactly what it is, an addiction to a group of chemicals called "feel good chemicals" which are primarily
Dopamine
Oxytocin
Serotonin
Endorphins (sometimes referred to as D.O.S.E.)
which are released in our brains when one achieves the level of attention they crave and as with any other addiction they eventually need more and more to achieve what they see as the relevance they believe they deserve. If you have an addiction like smoking stop doing it for a week and you will know exactly what they are going through. Not the physical effects of withdrawal but the psychological effects of withdrawal. A little different perspective is it not?
Think about the potential for abuse and manipulation when those in power know all of this and the population as a whole are clueless, which we are. We can't change what is done but we can damn sure keep from making the same mistakes again by focusing not on the mistakes we made but why we made them in the first place.
Something to think about, until next time. ~Ghost
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