

“You Don’t Owe Anyone Anything:” Gen Z & The Viral Hyper-Individualism Myth
Sep 26, 2025
Dive into the debate over whether Gen Z is truly the most hyper-individualistic generation. Explore the definitions of hyper-individualism and the impact of neoliberalism on personal responsibility. Discover how social media shapes individuality and examine trends like therapy-speak and performative friendships. Also, hear about viral incidents that spark conversations on community and kindness. Is this behavior a unique trait of Gen Z or a normal phase of youth development? Unpack these compelling narratives!
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Defining Hyper-Individualism
- Hyper-individualism means extreme individualism prioritizing self-expression, achievement, and self-actualization.
- It biases people toward personal success with less regard for collective responsibility.
Neoliberalism Fuels Individualism
- Neoliberalism fosters individual responsibility and treats people as isolated agents.
- This ideology, tied to free-market capitalism, helped create a more individualistic culture.
Democracy And Individualism Link
- Democratic systems emphasizing individual rights also encourage individualism globally.
- Democracy plus neoliberalism created fertile ground for widespread individualistic values.