By Ashvinderjeet Kaur
I’ve always loved a good movie. There’s something about watching a compelling protagonist navigate life’s ups and downs that keeps me hooked. But lately, I’ve noticed something: many of us have started seeing ourselves as the leading character, not just in our own lives but on social media too.
It’s called main character syndrome, and whether we admit it or not, we’ve all been guilty of it at some point. Let’s unravel it together.
What Is Main Character Syndrome?
Main character syndrome isn’t an official psychological condition, but it’s a term that has gained popularity in recent years. It describes the tendency to view oneself as the centre of the universe, as if life were a movie and everyone else were supporting characters. This idea isn’t entirely new—after all, we all experience life through our own perspective, but social media has undoubtedly amplified it.
Think about it: how often do we curate our Instagram feeds to make our lives look picture-perfect? Or craft tweets that sound like the witty monologues of a rom-com lead? It’s become second nature to present ourselves in a way that fits a narrative, often at the expense of reality.
Social Media: The Ultimate Stage
Social media encourages the syndrome more than anything else. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even LinkedIn push us to build a personal brand, showcasing only the most exciting, polished, or thought-provoking aspects of our lives. The mundane? That gets left on the cutting room floor.
Take TikTok trends, for example. It’s easy to get caught up in this fantasy, but at what point does it become unhealthy?
The Downsides
While it’s harmless to embrace a little self-love and confidence, constantly seeing ourselves as the main character can have its downsides:
- Detachment from Reality: When we focus too much on crafting an idealised version of ourselves, we risk losing touch with what’s real. Not every moment needs to be aesthetic; not every experience must be shared online.
- Narcissistic Tendencies: According to a study by the American Psychological Association, social media can encourage narcissistic behaviour by reinforcing self-centred thinking. If we always place ourselves at the centre of attention, we might start disregarding the experiences and feelings of others.
- Increased Anxiety and Comparison: Constantly striving to live a ‘main character’ life can be exhausting. It sets unrealistic expectations, making us feel inadequate when reality doesn’t match up. Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that social media use is directly linked to increased anxiety and loneliness, mainly due to social comparison.
- Self-Centred Behaviour: People often prioritise their own experiences and emotions over those of others, believing their feelings matter the most.
- Attention-Seeking: They may exaggerate situations or create drama to draw attention to themselves.
- Narrative Framing: Viewing life as a personal movie where everything revolves around them.
- Over-Dramatisation: Everyday situations may be made to seem more significant than reality.
- Expectations of Special Treatment: Those with this mindset might believe they deserve preferential treatment.
- Lack of Empathy: They may struggle to understand or prioritise others’ experiences and emotions
- Social Media Behaviour: A strong need for validation through posts, likes, and comments.
Finding A Healthy Balance
So, should we all delete our social media accounts and retreat into obscurity? Not necessarily. It’s possible to embrace the confidence that comes with main character syndrome without letting it take over our lives. Here’s how:
- Stay Grounded in Reality: Romanticising your life a little is okay, but don’t let it distract you from genuine experiences. Enjoy a sunset because it’s beautiful, not because it’ll look good in your story.
- Focus on Others Too: Remember, every person you encounter is living their own story. Show genuine interest in their experiences instead of just waiting for your turn to speak (or post).
- Take Breaks from Social Media: Stepping away from the curated world of Instagram and TikTok can do wonders for your mental health. Try a social media detox and see how it affects your perception of yourself and the world around you.
- Embrace Imperfection: Life isn’t always a neatly scripted movie, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the unfiltered ones.
At the end of the day, we’re all the main characters of our own lives, because that’s just how human perception works. But that doesn’t mean we must live as if we’re starring in a social media spectacle. Real life happens beyond the screen, in all its messy, unpredictable, and beautiful glory.
So, the next time you catch yourself framing your life like a movie scene, ask yourself: am I living for the moment or for the likes? The answer might just help you step out of the trap of main character syndrome and into something far more fulfilling, like a genuine human connection.