We are deep in what I call the Humiliation Era. One wrong outfit, one bad take, one video at the wrong angle, and you wake up famous for all the wrong reasons. The internet does not forgive or forget. It screen records.
People used to want privacy. Now they want applause for surviving public embarrassment. Every meltdown becomes a mini-series. Every argument turns into a highlight reel. If we could charge streaming fees for other people’s drama, we might all have rent money.
Don’t act brand new. You’ve watched at least one online disaster with snacks nearby. You said, “I’m just checking what happened,” but you had chips in your lap and commentary ready. “Ooooh, not her crying already. Somebody get her a tissue and a PR team.”
Humiliation culture is group therapy with no therapist. Everybody’s talking, nobody’s healing, and the loudest person gets a sponsorship deal. Folks call it accountability, but real accountability doesn’t need trending audio and a ring light. That’s not growth. That’s content.
Let’s be honest. The reason we like seeing people dragged is because it’s cheaper than therapy. Watching someone else’s train wreck feels like self-care. You close the app feeling accomplished, like, “At least I’m not that bad.” Give it a week. The internet always finds new meat.
The Real Talk: If you wouldn’t clown somebody in person, don’t do it online just because you got Wi-Fi and free time. Humility is quiet. Humiliation is expensive. And baby, the bill always comes due.
The Groundwork of Humiliation Culture
Accountability is personal. Humiliation is performance. If you want peace, stop scrolling for other people’s lessons and start learning your own. Growth happens offline, where nobody’s watching.
See Discipline Before Dollars for why structure always outlasts spectacle.
Note: For data on digital behavior and online harassment trends, visit the Pew Research Center.