The Erosion of Individuality: From Subjects to Objects

Let's get straight to the point: In the labyrinth of modern existence, where the clamour of social media notifications and the ticking clock of economic productivity drown out the inner voice, we face an existential crisis. The crisis isn't just about the external world; it has permeated our very core.

What it means to be human, to be an individual with agency and subjective experiences, is under siege. Instead, we find ourselves increasingly becoming objects—processed by algorithms, judged by productivity metrics, and defined by external validation. In this exploration, we'll dive into the historical roots, the psychological underpinnings, and the societal structures that contribute to this erosion of individuality.

The Historical Transformation: When Did It Start?

The problem isn't new; its roots can be traced back to our early formative years. Schools, which should serve as havens for individual growth and cognitive development, often become factories of uniformity. Through standardised testing, we're taught to focus not on the richness of learning but on the ability to regurgitate information. The young mind learns not just arithmetic and grammar but an insidious lesson—that one's worth can be quantified, reduced to a letter grade.

Psychological Implications

Let's consult Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Adolescence is a stage fraught with the crisis of identity versus role confusion. When a young person is treated as a data point, it interferes with the natural process of identity formation. This dislocation from the self has long-lasting repercussions, often manifesting in adult life as chronic stress, anxiety, or a sense of meaninglessness.

The Influence of Industrialisation and Capitalism

As we transition into adulthood, the corporatisation of existence intensifies. In the modern workplace, human beings are often viewed as mere cogs in a machine—interchangeable and expendable. The fetishisation of productivity transforms the purpose of work from personal fulfilment and societal contribution to a relentless quest for efficiency.

Cognitive Dissonance

Here, we encounter a form of cognitive dissonance. Our intrinsic human need for individuality clashes with a system that rewards conformity and suppresses uniqueness. What emerges is an internal chaos, an imbalance that manifests psychologically and even physiologically, affecting our health and well-being.

Identifying as a Commodity: Objectification in Media and Advertising

Gender and Objectification

In a world saturated with advertising, where each billboard and Instagram ad is a battlefield for attention, humans are reduced to commodities. The objectification of men and women, presenting them as idealised versions of beauty or success, creates a toxic culture that feeds gender stereotypes and body dissatisfaction.

Depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia—these are not just individual ailments but societal symptoms. We have traded depth for surface, the unique for the general, and in doing so, we have compromised our mental health.

The Algorithmic View of Human Life

Algorithms don't recognise human complexity; they categorise us, slot us into neat digital profiles based on our behaviour, and dictate what content keeps us hooked. You are what you click. The insidious part is that these platforms, by design, reinforce our objectified selves.

The tyranny of 'likes' and 'shares' on social media has created a parallel universe where self-worth is measured in online currency. This constant need for external validation feeds the dopamine pathways, similar to any other form of addiction.

Bodily Alienation: The Psychological Manifestation in Physical Terms

One of the most unsettling manifestations of losing contact with oneself is the alienation from one's own body. When you are reduced to a commodity, a grade, or a job title, your body becomes merely a vessel, detached from your sense of identity. This disconnection manifests in various forms of physical and sexual dysfunction, such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men, which is highly diagnosed in Europe; it is often a symptomatic representation of emotional and psychological disengagement.

The Shallowing of Relationships

Amidst this alienation, interpersonal relationships also suffer. In a world that prioritises the superficial, relationships, too, are often evaluated using the same metrics. The rise of 'transactional relationships,' whether in the form of quick swipes on dating apps or networking for career gains, leaves little room for deep, meaningful connections.

Attachment Theory and Modern Relationships

Attachment theory can offer us some insight here. Secure attachment is based on the availability and responsiveness of an attachment figure. In a world where both parties in a relationship are objectified, and thus emotionally stunted, achieving secure attachment becomes an uphill battle. What we see are patterns of avoidant or anxious attachment, leading to relationships that lack depth and emotional richness.

Reconnecting with our bodies and forging meaningful relationships are not just individual quests; they are collective necessities. It demands breaking free from societal shackles that dehumanise us, creating spaces that allow for vulnerability, and redefining metrics for success and well-being. As we transition from objectification to subjectivity, we will find that the benefits are not just individual but reverberate throughout society, enriching our lives and the communities we build.

There is more to say - but...

We stand at a crossroads. On one path lies the continuation of objectification, an acceptance of a life led by metrics, external validation, and superficiality. On the other lies the struggle to reclaim our individuality, to rekindle the internal flame dimmed by years of societal conditioning. It's time to embark on the most crucial journey of all—the journey back to the self. To resolve this crisis, both individual effort and a seismic shift in societal values are required. Only then can we hope to move from being objects in a system to becoming subjects of our own lives.