Being alive is an inherently embarrassing pursuit. No matter how hard we try and how many social rules that we learn, it’s inevitable that we’re going to end up being humiliated at some point.
While it used to be that we could reassure ourselves that nobody was going to remember our awkward moments more vividly than we were, the internet has totally changed up that logic. Not only do people gladly share the embarrassments of others, social media is full of individuals who seem to love nothing more than telling on themselves.
Cringe is an abundant and powerful resource, and a lot of the time, its subjects deserve to be cringed at. Some of us should learn to have more shame, but whether we will is anyone’s guess. At this moment in time, it’s not looking likely, so we may as well sit back and watch the sh*tshow unfold.
