Held hostage by the Dopamine Cartels:
BigTech’s feast and the remaining void

We live in a time where, for many, the allure – or should we say score – of the next swipe, like, or share is just a flick of the thumb away, we’ve unwittingly become the leads in a ‘structured reality show’ remake of The Matrix ([1999]. Our director? Algorithms with a perversion for human psychology, intent on turning us into the very essence of what we consume: a series of endless, augmented human adverts and mind-numbing distractions. Ted Gioia’s, soberingly insightful and terrifying exploration of the “State of the Culture, 2024” unveils a society teetering on the brink of a post-art, post-entertainment apocalypse.

To summarise, Ted Gioia’s central hypothesis is that our culture is transitioning from a focus on, and means of expression by, traditional arts and entertainment to a post-entertainment society dominated by distractions and superficial engagements. The shift, he suggests, is driven by technology platforms that exploit our brain’s dopamine responses, leading to addiction rather than genuine cultural enrichment. As a result, we’re moving towards a future where constant, short-lived stimuli replace meaningful artistic expression, leaving in its wake a society of digital addicts.

Once upon a time, art and entertainment served as our windows to the soul, mediums through which we could explore the depths of human emotion and connection. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has morphed into a bizarre bazaar of distractions, where the art of conversation has been reduced to exchanging memes, and Coleridge’s verse, Woolf’s prose, or, even Dylan’s lyrics are about as enticing as last year’s tax returns to our brains when they’ve become big-tech-dopamine-lab-rats. Gioia’s observations aren’t just a wake-up call; they’re an alarm blaring in the void of our collective consciousness, begging us to reconsider our insatiable addiction to…well, vacuous nonsense.

But here’s the problem: as we navigate this brave new world, we’re witnessing a curious phenomenon. The very language of psychotherapy—once a lexicon mostly reserved, appropriately, for the therapy room— has been appropriated, diluted, and repackaged as bite-sized pseudo-therapeutic affirmations served up between TikTok dances and OOTDs. Where influencers casually declare everyday difficulties or embarrassments as “trauma” that leave them with (undiagnosed) “PTSD”, sandwiched between sponsored posts for weight loss tea and a luxury watch. The irony? The commodification of mental health discourse has created an echo chamber of superficial validation, distancing us further from the genuine introspection and the healing we desperately seek. Not to mention the linguistic slippage: the dissonance and growing distance between ‘sign’ and ‘signifier’. How can we communicate our feelings and become less of a stranger to ourselves when the very language that was used and created to express and communicate our inner selves acutely has become so diluted it no longer means those things?

Sometimes the absurdity of it all makes it more tempting to find humour than alarm. Picture this: A world where ‘therapy speak’ – if, indeed it hasn’t already, becomes so mainstream that we’re diagnosing our morning coffee with abandonment issues because it went cold. Which to be frank, is a more relatable and applicable situation to our own relationships than, an influencer sharing a tip for the post-yoga enlightenment they felt at a “stunning café that serves the best matcha-nut-oat-wahtever ”, which when you turn up is just a queue around the block of people stood in silence staring at phones – and when you get there, the coffee is cold, and the croissants stale #blessed.

Beneath the absurdity, however, lies a sobering truth. As we drift further from the “source” – genuine human connection and understanding—our collective mental health teeters on the edge of a virtual precipice. The appropriation of psychotherapeutic language by the very algorithms that ensnare us in the dopamine doom loop, makes hiring the proverbial fox to guard the henhouse look like a sound decision. It’s not just the Arts that are being swallowed whole by the insatiable beast of distraction; it’s our very ability to communicate, empathize, and connect on a deeply human level.

So, where do we go from here? What is the path forward? Language is a living thing, it evolves, as does technology, work and culture. However, until now this evolution has happened in a slow and inherently diplomatic way over decades, rather than delivered lightening-fast into our brains by a few oligopolies.

I do think most of us now look at our phones as a tool to speed up time, when we’re sad, overwhelmed, bored, lost. We can lose hours and indeed days, months, years. And speaking for myself it’s a deeply regrettable loss. And, most importantly, it never ‘feels’ like a choice.

So, perhaps we embrace the challenge laid before us by Gioia: to unplug, if only for a moment, and notice the trees. Or perhaps, to simply start noticing each other. When caught in the “dope loop”, and feeling more a stranger to ourselves than normal we should remind ourselves to, “touch grass” (as I believe the kids say?).

Jacques Lacan, a pioneering figure in psychoanalysis, introduced a compelling framework that sheds light on the intricate dance between self-perception and external influences. In the realm of therapy, understanding Lacan’s three versions of how individuals perceive their main caregivers—the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real—provides clinicians with a profound tool to unravel the complexities of human development and identity formation.

The Imaginary, the initial stage in Lacan’s triad, unveils the early, pre-verbal connection between an infant and its caregiver. This phase involves a sense of unity and wholeness, where the child’s self-perception is intricately intertwined with the image of the caregiver. Therapists, drawing from Lacan’s “mirror stage,” explore how clients’ early attachments and idealized images impact their present relationships, laying the groundwork for understanding and reshaping distorted self-perceptions.

Transitioning into the Symbolic realm, therapy delves into the second stage, where language and societal structures come into play. Clients navigate the symbolic order, acquiring language and internalizing societal norms that influence their perception of reality. Therapists, mindful of Lacan’s concept of the “Big Other,” guide clients in examining how language and cultural influences shape their identity. This exploration facilitates the reconstruction of symbolic frameworks, empowering clients to redefine themselves within the broader societal context.

The Real, the final dimension, emerges in therapy as clients confront the unattainable and traumatic aspects of their experiences. Therapists assist clients in navigating moments of crisis or rupture, acknowledging the limitations of symbolic representation. By creating a safe space for clients to explore and express genuine emotions, therapists help them integrate the Real into their understanding of self, fostering resilience and authenticity.

In the therapeutic space, the application of Lacanian concepts involves a dynamic exploration of the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to unravel idealized images, reconstruct symbolic frameworks, and navigate the uncharted territories of the Real. This process contributes to a more authentic and liberated understanding of self, fostering personal growth and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Lacan’s legacy continues to enrich the field of psychotherapy, offering a profound framework for clinicians dedicated to guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery.

In a realm of minds, where thoughts took flight,
A therapist wise, in therapeutic light.
Omnipotent she deemed herself, with counsel grand,
Guiding troubled souls across the mental land.
Yet pride consumed her, an arrogant sway,
Till a storm of shadows swept her away.
In the tempest of troubles, her wisdom did wane,
As she grappled with demons, her own mind’s bane.
The therapist, humbled, faced a daunting quest,
Through the valleys of anguish, she sought her best.
No longer omnipotent, but a seeker in pain,
Learning empathy’s depth in the torrential rain.
In the tapestry of souls, a humbler thread,
Waltzing with vulnerability, where wisdom is bred.
Her fate a reminder, a tale to unfold,
Even the mighty must yield to lessons untold.

In the vast landscape of psychotherapy, the allure of an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach can, paradoxically, become a stumbling block rather than a foundation for therapeutic success. The concept of omnipotence in therapy often suggests an excessive sense of power or authority on the part of the therapist, and while expertise is crucial, an unyielding belief in one’s infallibility can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship.
Firstly, an omnipotent stance can create an unbridgeable chasm between the therapist and the client. In the ideal therapeutic relationship, there exists a delicate balance of power, trust, and vulnerability. When a therapist assumes an all-knowing position, it risks eclipsing the client’s autonomy and inhibiting the open exchange of thoughts and feelings. The client may feel diminished, unheard, or reluctant to express their true concerns, hindering the very essence of therapeutic progress.
Furthermore, an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach can inadvertently magnify the therapist’s unresolved issues. The need for omnipotence often stems from the therapist’s own insecurities or unresolved conflicts. This could manifest as an attempt to maintain a façade of absolute control, masking vulnerabilities or uncertainties within the therapist themselves. The therapeutic space should be a crucible for personal and professional growth for both client and therapist; an acknowledgment of imperfections and a shared journey toward understanding.
As the therapist grapples with their own omnipotence, a profound opportunity for self-reflection arises. Unveiling the layers of personal bias, insecurities, or unresolved issues becomes essential for fostering an authentic therapeutic alliance. Acknowledging fallibility and embracing a more collaborative, humble stance can deepen the therapeutic connection, allowing the therapist to resonate with the client’s struggles in a more genuine and empathetic manner.
In conclusion, an omnipotent psychoanalytic approach, though rooted in a desire for mastery, can jeopardize the very core of therapeutic effectiveness. The therapist’s journey toward self-awareness, humility, and an acknowledgment of their own evolving nature is integral to fostering a therapeutic relationship that thrives on trust, authenticity, and shared growth. The therapeutic space, after all, is a dynamic landscape where the therapist’s vulnerabilities, when embraced and understood, can pave the way for profound healing and transformation.

In the realm of mental health treatment, both long-term psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stand as valuable tools. While CBT is renowned for its structured, goal-oriented approach, long-term psychotherapy offers a different perspective, delving into the intricate layers of one’s psyche. In this exploration, I will unveil the benefits of long-term psychotherapy, emphasising the unique advantages it provides over the more succinct CBT approach.

Long-term psychotherapy allows individuals to explore the depths of their emotional landscapes, often reaching the root causes of psychological challenges. Unlike CBT, which primarily focuses on modifying behaviors and thought patterns, long-term therapy seeks to understand the origins of these patterns, fostering lasting transformation.
The extended duration of long-term psychotherapy cultivates a deep, trusting relationship between the therapist and the individual. This rapport provides a secure space for open exploration, enabling individuals to share vulnerable aspects of themselves that may take time to emerge in a shorter-term, solution-focused CBT setting. Long-term therapy also allows for a more holistic understanding of an individual’s life, including their relationships, past experiences, and overarching life narrative. This comprehensive view aids in tailoring therapeutic interventions to address underlying issues, promoting enduring well-being rather than surface-level symptom management. Mental health struggles are often complex and multifaceted. Long-term psychotherapy embraces this complexity, recognizing that meaningful change may require time and a nuanced understanding of the individual. This contrasts with CBT’s more streamlined approach, which may not fully capture the intricacies of certain psychological challenges.

Lastly, long-term therapy provides a platform for ongoing self-discovery and personal growth. Through extended exploration, individuals can develop a deeper awareness of themselves, their patterns of behavior, and their potential for positive change, fostering a stronger foundation for long-lasting well-being.

While CBT remains a valuable and effective therapeutic approach, the benefits of long-term psychotherapy lie in its capacity to delve into the complexities of the human psyche, fostering profound understanding and sustainable personal growth. The choice between these approaches ultimately depends on individual preferences, the nature of the challenges, and the depth of exploration one seeks on their mental health journey.

Navigating Cultural Dynamics.

Immigration has long been a driving force behind the cultural tapestry of nations. When immigrant groups enter a new country, they often undergo processes of assimilation or integration, each with its distinct characteristics. In this article, I will explore the nuances of assimilation and integration, shedding light on how these approaches shape the relationship between newcomers and their adopted homeland.

Assimilation:
Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms, values, and practices of the dominant society to the extent that they become indistinguishable from the majority population. In an assimilationist model, immigrants are encouraged to shed their cultural distinctiveness in favor of embracing the dominant culture entirely. This approach implies a one-way process, with the expectation that newcomers conform to the established societal norms.
Pros of Assimilation:
* Unity: Assimilation can contribute to a sense of unity among the population, fostering a common identity.
* Rapid Integration: Immigrants who assimilate quickly may find it easier to integrate into social, economic, and political spheres.
Cons of Assimilation:
* Cultural Loss: Immigrant groups may experience a loss of their cultural identity, leading to a sense of alienation.
* Exclusion: Assimilation can perpetuate exclusionary practices, marginalizing those who struggle to conform. While assimilation can be a means of societal integration, its effects on the confidence of individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, warrant careful consideration. People of color often face unique challenges when navigating the assimilation process, and the impact on their confidence can be profound.
* Identity Struggle:
* Assimilation may prompt individuals to grapple with a conflict between preserving their cultural identity and conforming to dominant societal norms. This internal struggle can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, as individuals may feel pressured to relinquish aspects of their cultural heritage.
* The expectation to assimilate can sometimes result in the erasure of cultural markers that contribute to a person’s identity. This erasure, intentional or not, may leave individuals feeling disconnected from their roots, impacting their confidence in social and professional settings.
* Microaggressions and Bias:
Assimilation does not guarantee immunity from systemic biases and microaggressions. People of color who assimilate may still face discrimination, and the experience of navigating these challenges can erode confidence. Feeling compelled to assimilate to avoid such biases can perpetuate a cycle of self-doubt.
* Code-Switching Challenges:
In an assimilationist environment, people might find themselves constantly code-switching—altering their behavior, language, or appearance based on the cultural context. This constant adaptation can contribute to a sense of imposter syndrome and hinder the development of authentic confidence.
While assimilation is often seen as a pathway to societal acceptance, its impact on the confidence of people cannot be overlooked. Striking a balance that acknowledges and values diverse cultural identities is crucial for fostering a society where individuals can authentically express themselves without compromising their confidence and self-esteem.

Integration:
Integration, on the other hand, emphasizes a two-way process where both the immigrant group and the receiving society adapt to one another. This model recognizes and respects cultural diversity, aiming to create a society where different cultures coexist harmoniously. Integrated societies value the contributions of immigrant communities without pressuring them to abandon their cultural heritage.
Pros of Integration:
* Cultural Diversity: Integration celebrates and preserves the rich tapestry of diverse cultures within a society.
* Social Harmony: Embracing integration can lead to increased social cohesion and reduced intergroup tensions.
Cons of Integration:
* Potential for Fragmentation: In some cases, too much emphasis on cultural differences may lead to fragmented communities with limited interaction.
* Challenges in Policy Implementation: Crafting policies that support integration while respecting cultural diversity can be complex and challenging.

In the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration, the choice between assimilation and integration remains a critical consideration for policymakers and communities alike. Striking a balance that values diversity while fostering a shared sense of identity is key to building resilient and inclusive societies. Ultimately, the approach chosen shapes the narrative of immigrant experiences and influences the social fabric of the nation.

By Florence Nelson, Streatham and Clapham High.
Work experience Oct 2023

Human beings are social creatures. We rely on the companionship of people to thrive, and the power and strength of our connections has a major impact on our mental health as a whole. Having someone to speak and relate to can help to ease stress, anxiety and even depression, while increasing our confidence and self-worth. On the one hand, it can be said that social media influencers do have an important role in aiding these social connections around mental health, but does this actually help us understand ourselves or does it simply operate as a defence?

Nowadays, many of us rely on various social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Tiktok. This reliance has developed over time, and has gradually increased. In today’s society, mental health, and having a mental disorder has become more normalised. There are more influencers that use their platform as a way of spreading awareness, but also as a ‘safe space’, to make people feel more comfortable and less alone. An example platform is Tiktok. This app allows people to post up to 3 minute videos of them either speaking or lip syncing to audios. In terms of content related to mental health, people may post things such as: how they cope when their depression or anxiety is particularly bad on a certain day, their daily routine or what they eat in a day etc. Accounts like these attract a certain ‘type’ of audience, and are inevitably addictive. The audience may range in age and gender, however a common variable that they all share is their experience. Although everyone is different, and going through different things, people who are struggling in general, feel as though they have no one to speak to. Thus, they turn to accounts like these, where the content relates to similar things that they are going through. For example, someone with an eating disorder, may watch what others eat in a day, or what they do when their body dysmorphia is bad, and frequently use this as a coping mechanism. Another example may be someone who has severe anxiety, may watch videos of someone talking about what they do to help manage themselves. There are numerous accounts that revolve around mental health, because in today’s society its spoken about more. Content creators in this field receive thousands of views, likes and comments. If you do have this role, receiving this amount of attention can feel rewarding, as you truly believe that your videos and words are influencing those struggling in a positive way. Therefore, the likelihood of them posting more of these videos is positively reinforced, as they are receiving a credit from a large audience. From this, we would surely think that the media and its influencers have a constructive platform in which they benefit those affected by mental health. However, this is not always the case.

While social media platforms do have their benefits, as I mention above, it is important to remember that social media can be more damaging than we think. To begin with, social media can never be a replacement for real-world human connection. It requires in-person contact with others to trigger the hormones that alleviate stress and make you feel happier and healthier. Thus, despite however connected you feel to someone online, it is nowhere near as beneficial as the connections made in person. A large majority of people online may seem like they know what is best for you, but in retrospect, they are mostly just young people, in hope for fame and views. This seems to not be focused enough on. People tend to forget the initial motive as they seek for this relatable content. In the long-run, this can be exceedingly damaging for the youth in today’s society, but also for upcoming generations. These young people are being fed false interpretations and perspectives on mental health as well as disorders. One the one hand, social media can exaggerate disorders. They do this by portraying inaccurately distorted images of mental illnesses that emphasise either dangerousness, criminality and unpredictability. However, in reality, somebody with a mental disorder is much more likely to be a victim than, for example, being referred to as ‘crazy’. Labelling people in this sense can spread a harmful stereotype, and can falsely educate those around us. This fake portrayal and over-exaggeration, moves people with mental disorders under the category of people of whom, we do not routinely interact with. This constant flow of data gives us incessant social cues about the nature of other groups of people, and how we should ‘correctly’ interact with them. Essentially making society more judgemental, which is the last thing we want. Moreover, on the flip side, social media can oversimplify disorders. Coming back to the platform Tiktok. Videos in relation to mental health can underestimate the symptoms and severity of someone with a mental illness. For example, someone on Tiktok may post a short video about how to get out of a slump when you are feeling depressed on a particular day. By implying to the media that ‘being depressed’ is something that you can quickly get out of, is scientifically inaccurate. Someone with extreme depression may not even be able to get out of bed it is that severe. Episodes like these are mainly long-term and the individual may need therapy. So, this ‘over-simplification’ is again, another example of a negative stereotype.

If I project aggression onto the other she or he is likely to become…the mirror or embodiment of the aggression I am trying to displace onto her or him.

Jacqueline Rose
States of Fantasy

Severe personality problems can often find camouflage. No one thinks “I’m a sadist” or “I’m a malignant narcissist’ or a racist.

They find a belief system, social group or person that validates their most hateful, destructive impulses and construes them as virtues.

The most toxic and hateful people in the world are 100% convinced they fight for what is true and right. They find a way to give free rein to their cruelty, to attack, to treat others cruelly and viciously, they often find allies to cheer them on who also believe they are on the side of all that is true and good.

The psychological processes in this state of mind are splitting, projection & projective identification. Splitting means not recognizing one’s own capacity for hate, cruelty, and destructiveness. The person is blind to the bad in themselves. Instead, they project the badness onto some designated other. And this other person, via the defense of projection, is now seen as the repository of all that is bad and evil and necessary to destroy. That belief is the projection. It clouds all reasonable thought and objectivity.

The person now feels fully justified in unleashing their viciousness and hate on the other person, who is now seen (via projection) as someone monstrous who must be destroyed. If the person who is projected on responds to the provocation with anger, this is now seen as further confirmation of how hateful and destructive they are (this is what is called is “projective identification.”)

The end result is that the projecting defended person can deny their own sadism, cruelty, and hate—while simultaneously acting it out without restraint. And feel themselves to be 100% on the side of truth and right as they do it. Many of us may have been on the receiving end of such behaviours – whether at school, college, our families or workplace. It is a process that can destroy your own certainty and belief in yourself.

The concept of transmutation of energy, often associated with psychoanalyst Carl Jung, refers to the process of redirecting emotional or psychic energy from one form to another, often more constructive form. It’s a psychological mechanism aimed at channeling intense emotions, including pain, into productive or creative outlets. Here’s how it works:
Recognition of Intense Emotions: The process begins with the recognition of intense and often uncomfortable emotions, such as pain, anger, or frustration. These emotions can be disruptive when left unaddressed and can negatively impact mental well-being.
Conscious Awareness: The individual consciously acknowledges these emotions rather than repressing or denying them. In many cases, this awareness is facilitated through self-reflection, therapy, or introspective practices.
Understanding the Source: To effectively transmute energy, it’s crucial to understand the source of these emotions. Often, they can be traced back to unresolved issues, past traumas, or unmet needs. Psychoanalysis and therapy can help in exploring these origins.
Finding Creative Outlets: Once the source is identified, the individual seeks constructive and creative outlets for these emotions. This can include various activities such as art, writing, music, physical exercise, or even social activism. These outlets provide a safe space to express and transform the emotional energy.
Transformation and Expression: Through creative or productive endeavors, the individual transforms the raw emotional energy into a different form, often one that can be shared or appreciated by others. For example, a person experiencing emotional pain might write poetry or create artwork that reflects their feelings.
Catharsis and Release: Engaging in these creative or productive activities allows for catharsis, which is the emotional release or purging of intense feelings. This release can be therapeutic and provides a sense of relief and emotional cleansing.
Integration and Healing: The process of transmutation ultimately contributes to personal growth and healing. It allows individuals to integrate their emotional experiences into their overall sense of self, helping them to become more self-aware and resilient.
It’s important to note that transmutation of energy is not about denying or suppressing emotions. Instead, it encourages a healthy and constructive way to deal with powerful emotions, leveraging them as a source of inspiration and creativity. While this concept has roots in psychoanalysis, it has also been embraced in various forms of therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-help techniques as a means of promoting emotional well-being and personal development.