I come from a technology background and have been intrigued by the new jargon coined every year. The moment these new shiny toys drop in the industry as terms, everyone starts chasing these new shiny toys as if this was the silver bullet that would solve all the problems we have in an enterprise. What is observed in most cases is that these problems are not even related to technology.
This led me to explore this question – Are we in a Vanity Pond Era where everyone is looking at mediocre or frivolous ideas, products, thinking, and approaches and does it apply to every other aspect of our lives? The answer is, Yes and this took me by surprise.
I have tried to look at this question from a mind-body-soul perspective and have arrived at the same conclusion.
- From a technology industry perspective, we are in cycles of a new term every year and a few terms that have been used in the past are Modernization, blockchain, metaverse, digital, data, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Automation, SOA, API, Cloud and the latest fad is ‘Gen-AI’
- From a body and fitness perspective, everyone is lifting heavier weights, doing more pushups, eating proteins, new diets, and running more distances without first answering the question of what it will solve for them
- From a mind and soul perspective, everyone is chasing new meditation techniques or getting into writing, poetry, or photography without a clear driver for the same. Most have forgotten even, how to think or approach a subject, idea, or challenge in everyday life.
Once we understand that most are doing it without a strong reason, it is important to look at, why this is being chased by so many people. Most do it because they are chasing some vanity metrics on it. Examples that I see around me are gourmet foods, destination holidays, once-in-a-lifetime running events, exclusive meditation retreats, lifestyle credit cards, branded coffee shops, chef-inspired restaurants, luxury vacation membership, premium SUVs, luxury housing society, bestseller books, top gadgets, premium gym membership, and the list goes on. Anything that is termed exclusive, premium, or signature belongs here, and in most cases, there is nothing exclusive or premium in these offerings.
What is driving this is, that it gives one a feeling of meeting the aspiration of moving up, in social circles. It also allows you to flaunt this, in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
We need to look inward before we subscribe to any fads as it is very easy to be dazzled by a “new shiny toy” that takes society by storm.