Psychology Unplugged

Narcissism: The New Normal?

Aug 17, 2025
Explore how social media manipulates our identities and self-esteem, encouraging unhealthy comparisons. Discover the rising trend of narcissism in society and its impact on personal relationships. Delve into the shift in parenting styles that now emphasize perfectionism over self-esteem. The discussion reveals the psychological challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world obsessed with curated online personas. Join the conversation about the delicate balance between self-confidence and the dangers of self-absorption.
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INSIGHT

Performance Over Authenticity Online

  • Social media turns personal identity into a curated performance for likes and attention.
  • That performance invites constant social comparison and erodes authentic self-knowledge.
INSIGHT

Narcissism As A Spectrum Fueled By Rewards

  • Narcissism exists on a spectrum from grandiose to vulnerable forms that both seek external validation.
  • Cultural rewards like followers and sponsorships amplify that validation loop and strengthen narcissistic tendencies.
INSIGHT

When Validation Becomes Toxic Fuel

  • Narcissism becomes toxic when empathy collapses and people are treated as props or audience.
  • Social media creates an addictive feedback loop of 'narcissistic supply' that fuels fragile self-worth.
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