E262. The Paradox of Authenticity - Thomas de Zengotita
Dec 7, 2023
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Bridget Phetasy sits down with author Thomas de Zengotita to discuss his book Mediated. They cover paradox of authenticity, performing true selves, choosing between different versions of oneself, being busy as a way of being somebody, and the impact of language. They also delve into topics such as rubbernecking, life of doubt, depression, and the absence of stimulation causing panic.
Constant busyness has become a coping mechanism to avoid uncertainties and complexities of life.
The paradox of authenticity arises from the blurred line between self-performance and genuine expression.
Living in a mediated world blurs the boundaries between the virtual and real, leading to a dual existence and loss of connection to tangible aspects of life.
Deep dives
The Escapism of Busyness
In a world filled with constant options and choices, busyness has become a coping mechanism for many. Being constantly busy allows people to escape the dilemmas of not knowing who they are or what to do. It becomes a way to avoid the uncertainties and complexities of life. This busyness has even been idolized as an ideal, where being productive and occupied at all times is valued. However, this constant busyness prevents individuals from taking the time for self-reflection and introspection, which are crucial for personal growth and understanding.
The Paradox of Authenticity
The podcast episode delves into the paradox of authenticity and self-performance. In the past, people used external performances and appearances to present themselves to the world, often leading to a sense of phoniness. The rise of hyper-awareness of self in recent years has led to an internalization of performance, with individuals constantly trying to express their innermost selves in every situation. This self-performance is driven by the need to be recognized and known for who they really are. However, this constant self-consciousness can blur the line between authenticity and performance, leading to a sense of paradox.
The Dual Realities of Mediation
Living in a mediated world, where the virtual and the real merge, presents a unique challenge. The constant immersion in digital technologies and online platforms has created a new form of existence, where individuals can spend their entire lives online without leaving their own heads. The blurring of boundaries between the screen world and the real world has led to a heightened sense of busyness and a loss of connection to the tangible aspects of life. This dual existence of being immersed in mediation while striving for a sense of authentic self creates a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon.
The Impact of Constant Self-Consciousness
Constant self-consciousness has become a part of daily life, fueled by social media and online platforms. The speaker reflects on how the presence of others, both in person and through virtual connections, creates a sense of self-observation and performance. This awareness leads to a heightened level of self-consciousness in daily activities, from parenting to comparing oneself to others on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Mediation and the Blurring of Realities
The podcast episode delves into the idea that our lives are increasingly mediated, as language itself imposes categories and concepts on our experiences. The speaker discusses how the fusion of real reality and representational reality creates a new world that we cannot escape. The constant exposure to diverse images and information through scrolling and social media affects our perception and desensitizes us, potentially making us more bloodthirsty and craving for clear categories and certainty in an increasingly fluid world.
Mediated Series - Part 7: Published in 2005, Mediated: How the Media Shapes Your World and the Way You Live In It, became Bridget's bible for understanding the changing media landsc ape and how it is affecting our society and behavior. Now she sits down with author Thomas de Zengotita for a multi-part series discussing the book chapter by chapter.
Thomas de Zengotita returns to continue the discussion about his book Mediated. This week he and Bridget cover the paradox of authenticity, how you can't be self-conscious about who you are and still be authentic, how we're all essentially performing our "true selves," and how the only real thing in today's mediated culture is an accident. They cover the amount of time we spend in between the screen world and the real world, choosing between the versions of yourself that you’re constantly playing, being busy is a way of being “somebody,” why the ultimate form of mediation is language itself, why progressives who are always right are phony progressives, how people are less likely to be depressed or anxious when they’re absolutely certain of stuff, when the absence of stimulation causes panic, the difference between witnessing & rubbernecking, and what it means to live a life of doubt.