In this episode, I discuss the rise of what I call “honor students pretending to be free spirits” on modern social media. Many influencers present themselves as independent, minimalist, or nomadic, yet their content often feels carefully optimized, emotionally safe, and deeply controlled. While they appear free on the surface, they still fear rejection, embarrassment, and social disapproval. I explore how modern internet culture rewards “freedom-like performance” rather than genuine individuality. Comparing today’s highly managed lifestyle creators with the chaotic and imperfect free spirits of the past, I reflect on how contemporary online culture increasingly values safe self-presentation over authentic risk, contradiction, and human depth.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related