Is it possible that American values such as free choice maybe hurting us? I would argue yes. Think about the last ten years. How many new cable channels do you now have? How many new video game systems have been invented? How many extreme sports have been invented? This appears to be positive, because we all know that diversity is good right? Now think of how many friends you have now compared to how many friends you had ten years ago. Most likely the number of friends you have will not have varied, unless your a politician or won the lottery (in both cases they're probably not "real" friends). So with the number of friends staying constant but the number of hobbies and interests increasing rapidly we are as a society becoming more individualistic. The problem lies in the inherent need for us to be understood by our peers. As we become more individualistic the chances we share the same interests as our close friends decreases. Consequently we feel isolated and depressed or we turn to new mediums such as the internet for our basic needs. Here's an example of a not so uncommon lunch conversation...
Dave: Didn't anyone see the new episode of Gray's Anatomy last night?
Daryl: No I was watching Major League Soccer.
Dave: Well you missed a good one. Sophia contracted Cancer. It was heartwrenching.
Frank: Sounds.... interesting! *stifling yawn*
Dave: Next week she is starting chemo and we find out if Brad is going to leave her.
Frank: I see.
Frank: Hey did anyone play new Grand Theft Auto game yet? I spent all last night playing.
Bill: Sorry I was at karate practice.
Ted: No I'm busy watching the Battlestar Galatica season three on DVD.
Unfortuntately it doesn't appear that we'll be having less choices anytime soon. So it might be best to take a rain check next time your invited to a group lunch. The new book by Steven Pinker may prove a more stimulating alternative.
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