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Paranoia

They're watching

Paranoia is a very interesting, if completely useless, sensation. If you are being watched, what use is this to you to know it (unless you are doing very questionable things, law-wise)?

Ironically, it often seems to grow out of a desire to be seen, to be found important. Or to be more precise, a fear that you are not.

The feeling that someone is watching your every move, judging your existence is a very likely 'cry for help'. But why do we do it? Why do a lot of people feel like there is a sinister presence in their life, in the form of some big brother that is watching.

Another part is distrust. You can't trust the government, the people around you, the media. Of course you don't know them personally, and they haven't betrayed you personally. Everything they do is not directed at a single person, and therefore not personal.

Is it so required to give yourselves a place of immense importance in society, the one who is followed, traced and recorded at all times? Are we so egocentric that we feel we are the basis of our society?

Still, I know they're after me...

And now they know you read this!

Comments

Digitalxero
2 years ago
We are - We are the basis of our society because without us that society would cease to exist. At least if we go with this definition of society "companionship; company: to enjoy one's society."
Nimja
2 years ago
Yes - But we are a group, not an individual. The point here is that Paranoia is more aimed at the importance of the individual.
Digitalxero
2 years ago
True but - We exist both as a group and an individual and in general for each person the individual is of more importance then the group.

Most rational people understand that to maintain their own well being in the long run they need to sacrifice their own self desires for those of the group at times. This sacrifice is the "payment" required to maintain the comfort and security of the society in which they belong.

Disturbed people don't feel they are more important then any other individual, but fear they are not. This fear makes it hard for them to operate within a group. So they compensate in one, or a combination, of three ways. Paranoia or, as you say, making themselves more important in their own mind. Sociopathically, or focusing only on self desire and need with a willingness to sacrifice the group or other individuals to get their desire and needs fulfilled. Or complete withdraw from society, interacting as little as possible to still survive.
Nimja
2 years ago
Good point - And I fully agree. It's not about 'wanting to be more important' but 'fearing that you're not. I've edited the main post (adding a sentence) about that.

And I agree about the three methods of compensation. Paranoia, Sociopath and Seclusion.
reader
2 years ago
scary stuff - y'all got me paranoid
Digitalxero
2 years ago
Glen Beck - Is not disturbed or paranoid in any way shape or form. He is a radical, which is a completely different category of otherwise rational people, who is attempting to scare those in his society not to make himself more important but to push an idea/ideal
reader
2 years ago
very deep - thank you
Nimja
2 years ago
Well - "Radical" people do not necessarily have to be very smart. It's just about publicity. I do not know the man in question well...

Also, everything in nature can be 'categorized', including people. However, that does not mean that your category is what you are completely, but only one facet.

And Also,
Antonious
2 years ago
Categorizing - I think the idea that any person, place or thing can be placed in only one category is an oversimplification of the idea behind categorizing.

I think the idea of categories is to create a way to find what you are looking for easier. Everything will have a dominant category identity. But everything will also have at least one less dominant category placement.

In this person's case, is he really paranoid or is he skillfully using cultivated perceptions to get what he wants?
Anonymous
2 years ago
insightful - very insightful post. as far as this case i probably wouldn't give the guy that much credit, seems like he's just making up as he goes along. i guess it depends if what he wants is the same as what other people want and if the interests align together and goals are congruent with each other, then there shouldn't be any problems. just guessing though ^_^
Nimja
2 years ago
This guy? - If you mean me? I wouldn't go as far as saying "I make it up" there is definitely a thread of thought behind it that stretches beyond this moment...

Also, I've added a new thought, on categorizing...
Alexx
22 months ago
I think a lot of people feel they are alone in what they feel, as if there is any human emotion or action we could take that wasn't invented long long ago. Everyone feels that when they discover something that is new for them, it must therefore be new.
I think Paranoia is a feeling of isolation, feeling noone else could possibly be just like you (for better or worse)
Also.. fear makes people do things that are far worse than that which they were afraid of in the first place.. besides.. they've higher doses of truth serum in cereal and now people who'd normally lie about those pants will actually tell you what they think..
XD
Alexx
22 months ago
ok I'm dense but I guess isolation and seclusion is the same thing.. though seclusion might be more by choice..
Nimja
22 months ago
Possibly. Though we still know they're all out to get you ;)
Alexx
22 months ago
-->-->-----V
/\ |
|---
Alexx
22 months ago
ARG! my pretty loop..with arrows and everything!! Foiled! *looks for ducttape*
Nimja
22 months ago
Heheheh.
Alexx
22 months ago
---------->.........................................................................................................................
^.....>...|.........................................................................................................................
|.........v.........................................................................................................................
--
Alexx
22 months ago
**taps foot** never mind full boxes with the lid slid off....
I'll be back...
Nimja
22 months ago
I'm still not sure what you wish to do with it? Schrodingers paranoia?

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