“Beautiful things don't ask for attention.”
That's a line from the movie (based on the book by the same name), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I only recently watched it for the first time. As I wrestled with the decision of whether or not to quit Twitch, this line resonated with me when I heard it.
I encourage you to watch the film for the deeper context – I thought it was pretty good. But this simple phrase so eloquently and succinctly conveyed an idea I have been struggling to articulate.
Twitch is just one example of a broader trend that has existed in some form or fashion since the beginning of time, but has only accelerated with the creation of smartphones and social media. It is evident in what some have called “Selfie Culture.” A related term that has surfaced in more recent years is “Influencer.” With hints of “Reality TV” thrown in (and we all know “Reality TV” is far from reality).
We (I include myself in this) have become increasingly obsessed with drawing attention to ourselves. Performance. Fame. Seeking worldly validation and accolades from strangers. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and others have taken this obsession a step further and have monetized it. They are exploiting us by giving us financial incentives to exploit ourselves.
It's not only self-obsession that is being monetized, but human socialization. It's distorting our perceptions of what it means to be part of a community and to interact and connect with others. We are putting price tags on activities and experiences that are (or should be) shared freely in the real world with authentic people.
The things that matter most, the beautiful things, don't ask for attention. Life doesn't seek an audience or subscriptions.