Setting the tone in a group is very important

This is a great post. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

I had thought a lot about the phenomenon you describe, and my biggest frustration is that it seems self-reinforcing and hence near impossible to overcome. In my experience, individuals in a group try to fit in by portraying themselves the same way they see other members. This is reflected not just in the prevailing "tone" of communication, but also in the nature of the issues which are acceptable to discuss in the group without prejudice (the "depth" of the conversation, if you will...). But since most other members adopt the same strategy of self-replication (and end up shielding their own emotions), this closed tone and shallow depth of conversation tends to gain momentum.

When everyone's facade of indifference reaches critical mass, hiding one's feelings becomes contagious even between different groups. Someone who mixes in many different social circles, whether at work or otherwise, may unknowingly become a part of the problem.

Anyway, my intention isn't to participate in collective lament at the state of society, but more to think deeply about the social dynamics at play as I go about my life. And this article helped do just that! At the moment I think at the heart of success in this modern, connected era lies the ability to be comfortable with oneself. But in all honesty I would have chosen something else a year ago, and I probably will again next year.

Maybe one day I'll figure it out... In the meantime I shall have to continue wasting valuable time I should be using to complete my coursework. In any case, thank you for the distraction.

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Setting the tone in a group is very important #11

Setting the tone in a group is very important