How And Why We Play Social Status Games - Will Storr

Social Media

Social media platforms have become arenas for status competition, where dominance, virtue, and success are constantly on display. Will Storr explains that these platforms are essentially "slot machines for status," where users gamble with their social standing every time they post or interact 1. This compulsive nature is driven by unpredictable rewards, akin to a slot machine, making it difficult for users to disengage 2.

Social media is just one huge status game. If you think about those three games, dominance, virtue, and success. That's what social media is.

--- Will Storr

Ali Abdaal reflects on how status games have influenced his own career, noting that opting out of traditional status competitions allowed him to excel in unique ways 2.

   

Virtue Signaling

Virtue signaling is an integral part of social interactions, often perceived as disingenuous but essential for societal functioning. Will Storr argues that without virtue signaling, the concept of virtue itself would lack recognition, as signaling is necessary for receiving social rewards 3. He also discusses the universal nature of gossip as a social tool, despite its negative reputation 3.

We all do virtue signaling. We all do success signaling. We all do dominant signaling.

--- Will Storr

Ali Abdaal adds that even simple acts like saying "please" and "thank you" are forms of virtue signaling, highlighting its pervasive role in everyday life 3.