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You can reduce all of this to the simple observation that: There are little consequences when the pool of people you have access to is massive; and there remai

You can reduce all of this to the simple observation that: There are little consequences when the pool of people you have access to is massive; and there remains no reason to become emotionally invested in a certain "core" of people, when you can easily jump to another if that "core" is not perfect. This leads to a feedback loop that stunts relationship "depth." Or further: when you have options, the default modus operandi is to not become completely invested into any single one -- you can always "jump" to another, and are always on the lookout for "greener pastures." People have more options than they used to. As much as I craved these "second level" (and even "first level") social relations, over the years I've become assimilated and contribute to the aforementioned feedback loop. The "ills" of modern life have been exponentially increasing, but for the future generations they are simply "life."

waynesonfire 5y ago
Interesting, also why online dating can be difficult.
Dracophoenix 5y ago
You say that like the alternative is any better. Historically small communities with high levels of "investment" had a heavy hand over the lives of their community members. They're practically cults that exist to "save" their investment from outside influences. To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrates how such societies function. In my opinion, it's good to have options. It's good not to have an X-or-bust social investment in a particular community because, as the 20th century has demonstrated, communities don't last forever. They change, they warp, they include, they exclude, they rise ,and they disappear. Societies are built to serve an instrumental function. When a society fails to provide that function in any meaningful way, people will vote with their feet when they can find another goal that suits their purposes. Even if such a goal is outside their current limits. This his been the way of humanity for thousands of years, so I don't understand why should we stop people from having options. I don't see a reason why people risk sinking with a ship they no longer have an interest being aboard. Ideally one would have an arrangement that mimics the Viennese Cafe societies. Strict but fair rules on conduct, but ultimately leaving personal agency to oneself and one's confidants .

waynesonfire 5y ago

Interesting, also why online dating can be difficult.

Dracophoenix 5y ago

You say that like the alternative is any better. Historically small communities with high levels of "investment" had a heavy hand over the lives of their community members. They're practically cults that exist to "save" their investment from outside influences. To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrates how such societies function. In my opinion, it's good to have options. It's good not to have an X-or-bust social investment in a particular community because, as the 20th century has demonstrated, communities don't last forever. They change, they warp, they include, they exclude, they rise ,and they disappear. Societies are built to serve an instrumental function. When a society fails to provide that function in any meaningful way, people will vote with their feet when they can find another goal that suits their purposes. Even if such a goal is outside their current limits. This his been the way of humanity for thousands of years, so I don't understand why should we stop people from having options. I don't see a reason why people risk sinking with a ship they no longer have an interest being aboard. Ideally one would have an arrangement that mimics the Viennese Cafe societies. Strict but fair rules on conduct, but ultimately leaving personal agency to oneself and one's confidants .