The Orality Theory of Everything
The decline of reading and the rise of social media are transforming what it feels like to be a thinking person. This shift represents a fundamental change in how people process information and engage with ideas.
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The article argues that social media has fundamentally shifted into "parasocial media," where users primarily engage in one-sided, observational relationships with content creators and influencers rather than reciprocal interactions with peers. This transformation reflects how platforms now prioritize asymmetrical, broadcast-style communication over genuine social connection.
Consumerism has replaced religious behavioral patterns with product worship, creating what may be the first truly global faith. This includes Apple's glass cathedrals, unboxing rituals, and tech prophets.