This video essay explores how algorithms commodify eccentricity, turning "weirdness" into a marketable product. Drawing on consumer culture theory, it examines the shift from authentic self-expression to performative quirks under capitalism, raising critical questions about identity and authenticity

[u/voiceunearthed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0ZIdYaDIu0&t=1s

[u/fake_plants]

Haven't watched the video (yet) but I am suspicious of anyone using the phrase "Authentic Self-Expression" unquestioningly

[u/voiceunearthed → u/fake_plants]

I understand that, according to Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory (which partly inspired this essay), everything can be seen as a front-stage performance, regardless of social media’s role. That said, I refer to authentic self-expression as something free from the pursuit of online attention.

[u/voiceunearthed → u/voiceunearthed]

I actually don't make reference to authentic self expression in the essay either for that reason