It’s hard to ignore the growing sense that we’re witnessing the decline of genuine intelligence, replaced by trivial pursuits and an overwhelming obsession with online fame. Every time I scroll through social media, it feels like another example of how we’ve become numb to the world around us, chasing the shallow and the superficial.
The ‘Manifestation’ Trend: Empty Self-Indulgence
One viral trend that really caught my attention recently was a TikTok video from a young woman explaining the concept of “manifestation.” The idea? You can “manifest” good things into your life by simply deciding you want them, and poof—the universe will deliver. It’s a bit like prayer, but without any moral or spiritual weight. Instead, it’s all about self-centered desires. This kind of thinking encourages followers to believe that their wishes—like a holiday in France or a new car—will come true if they just “manifest” it hard enough. It’s a strange and disturbing form of self-absorption that seems to be taking hold.
A Music Career Based on a Joke
In another strange instance, Megan Boni, a random TikTok creator, went viral for a tongue-in-cheek song about wanting a rich boyfriend. This was no serious musical endeavor—just a joke sung in an exaggerated voice—but somehow it caught the attention of music producer David Guetta. He remixed her song, and suddenly, she’s offered a record deal. And yet, despite having no musical background or any real talent, Boni turned it down. While she isn’t interested in a real music career, she’s happy to “ride the wave,” making appearances and dreaming of a Saturday Night Live spot. What’s even more baffling is that we live in a world where this is celebrated as a success story.
The Rise of Shallow Celebrities and the Media’s Blind Obsession
It’s not just social media personalities either. Mainstream outlets like the BBC have devoted endless columns to pop stars like Taylor Swift, whose lyrics are sometimes painfully shallow. A recent BBC article about Swift’s Eras Tour could have critiqued the event’s impact on the city of Edinburgh or examined the superficiality of her lyrics. Instead, the focus was on the supposed meaning behind her song “All Too Well,” which was believed to be about actor Jake Gyllenhaal. The coverage felt more like a fan’s blog post than actual journalism. What’s worse, there was no acknowledgment of the deeper issues plaguing the culture Swift represents.
The Bizarre and Vulgar Side of Popular Culture
Then, there’s the rise of explicit and often degrading music from artists like Kim Petras. One of her songs, “Butt Slutt,” includes lyrics that are less about empowerment and more about excess and vulgarity. Yet, this kind of music is hailed as “sex-positive” and “liberating.” It’s disturbing to think that what once might have been viewed as trashy or vulgar is now accepted as art or expression. Is this a reflection of sexual liberation, or is it a result of a generation that’s been desensitized by constant exposure to pornography and mindless entertainment?
A Generation That Seems Lost in the Noise
It’s hard to make sense of it all. This cultural moment feels like a parody, yet it’s happening in real time. These are the same platforms, like TikTok, that encourage empty trends and give people with no talent a shot at fame and fortune. Young people are increasingly turning to these platforms for validation, while the world around them is becoming more disconnected and superficial. Mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, have skyrocketed since the advent of these digital spaces. It’s clear that this “online world” is not doing them any favors.
The Impact on Mental Health: Are We Ignoring the Signs?
The mental health crisis among the youth isn’t just about isolation or boredom; it’s about the emptiness that comes from engaging with a culture that is built on instant gratification. Research has shown that young people spend up to nine hours a day in front of screens, and test scores globally are declining. Yet we’re celebrating these trivial moments of fame, these fleeting “manifestations” of desire, and the mindless content that keeps us scrolling.
Where Did the Perspective Go?
What bothers me the most is the complete lack of perspective. Society seems to have lost the ability to step back and see the bigger picture. Praise for these empty trends—whether it’s the TikTok star talking about “manifesting” or a pop artist singing about meaningless relationships—has become normalized. The media, which should be a reflective space, is complicit in this by promoting it without question. It’s as if the more superficial something is, the more it’s celebrated.
Conclusion: The Culture We’re Creating
So, where does that leave us? If we continue down this path, it feels like we’re on a cultural crash course. The internet and social media have made it easier than ever to get lost in trivial pursuits, and we’re all paying the price. The youth are looking for meaning in places that offer none, and we, as a society, aren’t doing enough to stop it. It’s time to reevaluate what we value and where we focus our energy. Maybe then, we’ll start to see the bigger picture again.
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