Aren't Medium posts repeating cliched arguments contrasting the author with the supposed superficiality of the masses a pretty clear example of "a tool to elevate your perceived social status"?

I guess the lesson is, if you can't distinguish yourself by doing X, instead try distinguishing yourself by criticizing doing X.

I've always thought about it as a trait of the young, because I remember feeling this way myself. As I searched for identity one of the ways I found it was by not identifying as something. It's a totally understandable, if slightly immature attitude. I still find myself doing it, however, especially when talking about politics.

It can be a bit toxic, however, and it's probably the major reason I drifted away from "mainstream" reddit. It seemed dominated by young men complaining about tumblr, which was dominated by young women complaining about reddit.

Of course, just reading that sentence, I see I've fallen into the trap.

> Of course, just reading that sentence, I see I've fallen into the trap.

See https://xkcd.com/774/ :-)

In all honestly, though, I wouldn't worry about it too much. People are just doing what they do to find their identity, and as long as you don't look down on them for not finding the best solution (because who has?) then keep looking for what works best for you. And recognize that it'll change over time. Embrace the changes, but don't dismiss those who haven't made the same changes as you.

> Social media is, for the most parts, a tool to elevate your perceived social status.

That premise is what's hipster about these quotes.