November 3, 2026
There was a colony issue that escalated severely in a potential legal way. This added a lot of drama to my already mind with deep thoughts on what could be the cause of people unable to hear out completely in conversations or pay less attention when it is not about them. The issue lead me to the thoughts taking a shape on the central cause leading me to write this blog post. It is an issue affecting societies across the world these days. I have now understood what could be the potential cause. Unfortunately, knowing something is only half the solution.l
Social media is the main culprit
Man has always been enamored by ego from time immemorial. The social animal that man (or woman) is, taking care of basic needs as food, clothing, and shelter was never adequate. A person’s ego had to be satisfied as well. Even our epics are full of narrations depicting how ego led to major events in the story.
The difference in Kaliyuga is that it is widespread now. It is no longer limited to some characters depicted in the epics.
Social media flared this attribute multifold. We know of cases when young men and women have even been led to suicides over not getting some "likes" click on social media, or over a small statement posted by a fiancé, etc.
Getting appreciation from others and gaining acceptability of our actions has become central. Not limiting itself to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the like, the advent of WhatsApp and similar platforms has made things worse.
Today, many people want their actions and opinions to be appreciated and accepted by all. Any small amount of criticism or holding a different opinion has become unacceptable. That someone is undermining him or her has become intolerable.
It is leading to an increased level of self-centeredness.
I am noticing that even within families and among relatives, people have stopped paying attention to things if they have little to do with them personally. A conversation that is on a topic of less individual interest would shut off the mind from listening or reading. With the need to peruse a large number of posts throughout the day, the cultivation of a skill to glance over some and pay excessive attention to some has become part of parcel of even every day conversations between people. We became quite choosy of what we 'actually' listen or don't! A healthy conversation has become one of mutual.interest only. There are no gray shades. It is only black and white.
If a conversation is concerning that person, the person becomes ultrasensitive. So much that they often react before even fully understanding the context or the communication. It has become impossible to hold attention if that person has little to do with it directly or indirectly.
This excessive attention to "self" is the central cause of increasing ego. It is resulting in two extremes: excessive pleasure when appreciated, or depression when not appreciated. Going about daily chores has taken a lower priority over satisfying one’s own ego. At the end of the day, people are not realizing that excessive ego is leading to extremes of anxiety. An impact on ego even on small matters leads to severe consequences. No wonder we see increasing health and especially psychological issues these days.
I am not sure if mankind can ever come out of this vicious cycle. But you can—if you take action, or actually inaction.
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