I agree that it is as wide as the ocean and as deep as a puddle and it really does lead to a degeneration of meaning, however I think it keeps people solely in

I agree that it is as wide as the ocean and as deep as a puddle and it really does lead to a degeneration of meaning, however I think it keeps people solely in the depressive state rather than a schizophrenic one. It really isn't finding meaning and connections in everything if everything is only investigated only to a surface level. It usually just functions more as a form of shallow social signalling: "Yes I've heard of Hegel, yes I've watched Lynch, yes I know a few words in German" etc. From an individual point of view, often it's a matter of being scared to take a leap of faith into one topic, or simply a matter of great distraction, particularly with vapid online spaces (HN included) and shallow entertainment, or even just a symptom of their own psychological issues. For me it has been a combination of all of them, but ultimately also just a thought: too quickly giving up and spiralling into a kind of self-hating shallow engagement when I am challenged by something. It's true that people are now stretched over too many cultural artefacts "like butter spread on too much bread". But honestly I can't be bothered to worry about the sociocultural impact of this, I will just focus on enjoying meaning and connection in my own life. I find that pretending "the culture" doesn't exist is the only way to really enjoy it now. I just pursue exactly what I enjoy in the way I enjoy it. I've had enough of actively seeking cultural companionship, particularly online. It was ultimately distraction from living a rich life anyway. For me, I think learning what I find meaning in, what I really enjoy, was just a part of growing up. It is an ongoing process, but it is growing.