Bangkok: In an era where social media has become an integral part of daily life, our feeds are often filled with images of perfection, luxury living, and designer goods. This phenomenon is no coincidence; it's what's called "Persona Inflation," a condition that is eroding our true selves and creating unforeseen consequences for society.
According to Thai News Agency, the word "Persona" refers to the external personality created for social interaction, while "Inflation" means extravagance or expansion. Combined, therefore, it means "the expansion or creation of a digital persona that appears perfect or 'exaggerated' beyond reality." This phenomenon occurs at levels ranging from celebrities and singers to micro-influencers or ordinary people who, when in front of the camera, have to act and use exaggerated gestures to make the content more interesting and eye-catching.
Trying to maintain an overly extravagant image often leads to many problems. Financial issues arise as individuals adopt a "must-have" lifestyle, driven by the desire to show off online. This behavior results in high-stakes, low-income situations, particularly among teenagers who overspend on brand-name goods or travel abroad, accumulating debt. Additionally, an identity crisis may occur as individuals become fixated on likes or a fabricated image, leading to distress when unable to maintain that perceived level of luxury. Young people often imitate influencers showcasing wealth, leading to distorted values.
In China, the government has initiated measures to ban influencer channels that flaunt wealth or display an overly luxurious image, considering them bad examples for society. In contrast, Thailand primarily focuses on media literacy education and cautionary advice.
To avoid falling victim to self-indulgence, adopting a moderate and balanced lifestyle approach is encouraged. Valuing the inner self and reducing focus on external appearances can help, as well as living a simple life, akin to trends in Japan and China. Being mindful when consuming media and verifying information before believing everything seen online are also crucial steps.
Persona inflation is a double-edged sword. While it can create appeal online, if done without mindfulness, it can become a trap that harms both creators and viewers. Media literacy and acceptance of one's true self are therefore the best defenses in the cyber age.