The observation that the internet and society are moving towards a preference for the "normal" rather than celebrating the extraordinary touches on several deep-seated issues within the evolution of digital culture and social dynamics:
The internet, particularly social media platforms, employs algorithms to personalize content. These algorithms aim to maximize user engagement by favoring content that appeals to the widest audience possible, which often means sidelining unique or challenging perspectives in favor of what's immediately popular.
Algorithmic curation leads to the creation of echo chambers where individuals are mostly exposed to content that confirms their existing beliefs or interests. This diminishes the visibility of extraordinary or diverse ideas, fostering a culture where conformity to the "normal" is not just preferred but algorithmically enforced.
Society has seen a shift where fear of ostracization or "cancel culture" might lead to self-censorship or alignment with majority views. This can suppress unique perspectives, contributing to a mediocrity where fear of deviation from the norm trumps the celebration of diversity and excellence.
While the internet connects us globally, it can paradoxically isolate us in our thoughts. The vast amount of information might lead to superficial rather than deep engagement with ideas, reducing the appreciation for complex or extraordinary viewpoints.
Platforms have economic incentives to promote content with the highest interaction rates, which often isn't content that challenges or educates but rather entertains or confirms biases. This economic model further pushes towards mediocrity as creators adapt their content to these incentives rather than expressing unique insights.
The decline in emphasis on critical thinking in favor of standardized testing or vocational training might contribute to this trend. Without fostering curiosity and creativity, society might lean more towards what is easily understood and accepted rather than what is groundbreaking.
To address this, fostering environments where diverse ideas can thrive, promoting education that encourages critical thinking, and rethinking how content is curated by algorithms are essential. Celebrating originality could help steer back towards a culture where uniqueness, diversity, and excellence are celebrated.
This discourse highlights the tension between the democratizing effects of the internet and its potential to flatten cultural and intellectual landscapes. It's a call to action to consciously redirect cultural development towards celebrating the extraordinary over the merely average.