The Growth of Hyper-individualism in Western Society
- Sara Soltanpour
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
A rather shocking discourse which has been appearing on my social media feed recently is, “Would you pick your friend up from the airport?”.
You could argue that it’s not my place to speak on this, as I neither have a car nor know how to drive, but I believe it’s the principle of it, so I would actually pick my friend up from the airport.
In fact, to me, the answer is obvious. Helping a friend, even at the cost of mild inconvenience, strengthens bonds and fosters community. However, many people online seem to disagree.
Lately, there has been a clear societal shift in people's attitudes towards each other. Everyone is developing this apathy to the people around them, parroting the phrase “I don’t owe anyone anything”, and just a general carelessness for their community.
Growing up in an individualistic country while being raised with the collective-minded values of my Iranian family, I always saw community as something natural, and helping others wasn’t a question of obligation but simply what you did. But lately, I’ve watched that mindset fade around me. What once felt like an unspoken understanding, that we show up for each other, even in small ways, now feels like something people openly reject.
“I Don’t Owe Anyone Anything”
The phrase “I don’t owe anyone anything” originally emerged as a boundary-setting mantra, advocating for personal rights in difficult relationships. However, in the hyper-individualist online space, it seems to have evolved into a justification for apathy, not just toward toxic dynamics but also toward acts of basic kindness and community care.
It’s true that no one is obligated to drive a friend to the airport or smile at a barista, but couldn’t we argue that small acts of care and respect are essential for building a sense of community? This attitude, which elevates self-interest above all else, reflects a growing apathy not just toward interpersonal relationships but also toward broader societal issues, such as environmental crises and political challenges. This increasing disregard for the collective aligns with the broader societal trend of hyper-individualism, which is most evident in Western societies.
Hyper-individualism
Individualism is essentially the focus on the individual rather than the collective, and western individualistic societies generally prioritise individual pursuits rather than collective, and celebrate voluntary initiated action rather than socially obligatory commitments.
At its core, individualism celebrates personal freedom, autonomy, and self-actualisation. It has been a driving force in many Western societies, allowing people to shift their focus from traditional institutions like religion or family, to personal development and emotional growth. Although collective societies can be associated with improved well-being due to increased social support, particularly decreased anxiety and depression, individualist societies have had the most growth in raising mental health awareness, as individualistic values challenge stigmas associated with mental illness.
Hyper-individualism, on the other hand, emphasises personal success and satisfaction at the expense of social connection and collective responsibility. It is the tendency for people in an individualist society to consider themselves as disparate entities rather than members of a collective or society. This mentality, often reinforced by modern digital culture, contributes to rising loneliness, declining civic participation, and a broader disengagement from societal issues. While individual freedom is important, a society cannot function without a sense of shared responsibility and connection.
The Role of Technology and Social Media in Isolation
The rise of hyper-individualism cannot be separated from the growth of technology and social media, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the World Health Organization identified loneliness as a pressing global public health concern, with social isolation exacerbated by the pandemic’s restrictions. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of multiple mental disorders, and it is a growing problem.
Though hyper-individualism is often associated with Gen Z, the roots of this trend can be traced back to the millennials, the first generation to grow old with the internet. As social media became central to their lives, relationships increasingly moved online, and meaningful face-to-face connections became less common.
This rather rapid stage of industrialisation, from the rapid growth of social media from the early 2000s until now, further pushed by the isolation of COVID-19, has been a great accelerator in the growth of hyper-individualism and anomie.
Anomie is a term which was coined by Durkheim in 1893. Durkheim argued that as a society undergoes a rapid change, norms will be unclear, which will result in a state of anomie. He considered it a state in which expectations are unclear and the social system that keeps people functioning has broken down.
However, the term liberated anomie slightly differs from Durkheim’s definition. While his definition of anomie is associated with feelings of worthlessness and despair, liberated anomie is defined by Huang as the disconnection from society, but not from the self. This means that people who grew up in the digital age feel free to act in their own self-interest to satisfy personal needs, without considering the consequences of their actions on society and the collective. Social norms that once encouraged cooperation and mutual care are increasingly disregarded and replaced by individualistic pursuits.
The Importance of Community
When we are aware of the rise in hyper-individualism and the social isolation and loneliness it fosters, we must make an active effort for the betterment and growth of the collective. Research has shown the mental health benefits of strong social connections, including reduced anxiety and loneliness. People have already been highlighting our lack of third spaces in society, or community spaces, and their importance in mental health. Fostering these spaces and encouraging group activities, whether through volunteering, community art projects, or team sports, can help rebuild the sense of connection lost in a hyper-individualistic world. Additionally, shifting societal narratives to celebrate teamwork, mutual reliance, and acts of kindness can inspire a return to community-oriented values.
While individualism remains a central part of Western culture, it’s still important to acknowledge its pitfalls and not fall victim to the hyper-individualistic mindset. After all, a thriving society is one in which both the individual and the collective are valued and supported.
