Why Do We Want What We Want?

Social Media

Social media has intensified mimetic rivalry by making models of desire more accessible and relatable. Luke Burgis explains that platforms like Instagram and Twitter blur the lines between distant celebrities and close acquaintances, creating a "crisis of sameness" where everyone strives to stand out in a sea of mediocrity 1. This environment encourages provocative behavior as a means to differentiate oneself. He notes, "People basically say more provocative and extremist things online, beyond what they even believe, beyond what they would tell you in private."

People basically say more provocative and extremist things online, beyond what they even believe, beyond what they would tell you in private.

--- Luke Burgis

This distortion of reality leads to a zero-sum mindset, where individuals perceive others' successes as threats to their own potential achievements 2.

   

Model Boundaries

Social media blurs the boundaries between "Celebristan" and "Freshmenistan," making external figures appear more similar to us and influencing our desires. Luke Burgis highlights how celebrities craft their public personas to seem relatable, enhancing their influence over our desires 1. This phenomenon creates a paradox where we feel closer to distant figures while experiencing more rivalry with those similar to us.

If it's true that we're more captivated by the models that seem more like us, then the best thing that a celebrity could do is make themselves appear to be more like us.

--- Luke Burgis

Burgis explains that while imitating distant figures like Elon Musk poses little conflict, mimicking peers can lead to rivalry and envy due to proximity and similarity 3.