The Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years. It is unclear where the term was originally coined, within the realm of social media, but it has gained much popularity on TikTok. The attention given to such a ‘phenomenon’ is centered on the field of psychology and social discourse.
The concept refers to a psychological phenomenon in which individuals perceive themselves as the central figures of their own life stories, often to an exaggerated extent. This syndrome can manifest in various ways, including self-centeredness, narcissism, and an excessive need for attention and validation. Although MCS is not a recognized mental health diagnosis, it is perceived as such. The individual displaying MCS is self-centered and entitled, and their life needs to be the center of friends’ or acquaintances’ attention.
One of the primary factors contributing to the emergence of Main Character Syndrome is the proliferation of social media platforms in the last few decades. It was during the pandemic (COVID-19) and all the lockdowns, that people started posting more videos about their experiences; videos that gained a lot of views. Some videos were welcomed, such as musicians playing on balconies in Europe. Others were criticized, as the one Gal Gadot posted singing “Imagine,” along with her actor friends.
The Main Character Syndrome is linked to the ‘romanticizing’ of people’s lives on social media. “Romanticizing” refers to the act of idealizing or glamorizing one’s own life, personality, or experiences, often in a way that makes them seem more exciting or beautiful than they may actually be. This need for attention has led people to share on social media images or stories about themselves without boundaries. The stories can be embarrassing, cringy or funny, and in each of these stories, the person is always the central character.
Undoubtedly, today, individuals have unprecedented opportunities to showcase their lives and achievements to a wide audience. This constant exposure to curated versions of people’s lives has led to a desire to present oneself as the main character in a never-ending narrative. The main character syndrome can be exemplified in many trends, from people recording themselves in gyms to people dancing in public spaces.
In the last few years, this necessity of attention and the desire to stand out from the multitude through different means has exacerbated the tendency towards Main Character Syndrome and self-righteousness on social media. Self-righteousness refers to a sense of moral superiority or self-importance, where individuals believe their beliefs, values, and actions are more virtuous or correct than those of others.
Self-righteousness can manifest in various ways when expressed on social media. One example is Moral Grandstanding: Some individuals use social media as a platform to virtue signal, broadcasting their moral values and actions to gain recognition, approval, or attention. They may present themselves as morally superior while criticizing or shaming others who don’t share their views.
Some view the Main Character Syndrome as a means, for people, to show confidence or high self-esteem. However, this is self-delusion. People with MCS create a fantasy-like life, which demonstrates that they are trying to escape something from their real life. The need for attention and for an exaggerated sense of self-importance proves that there is something with people’s lives that they are trying to distract from. Instead of addressing what needs to be addressed, people are recreating their lives online in a curated way.
It is important to note that Individuals with MCS can often struggle to maintain deep and meaningful relationships. Their preoccupation with themselves can make it challenging to truly empathize with others and engage in reciprocal relationships. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Another negative aspect of MCS is unrealistic expectations about life. Those afflicted may come to believe that they are entitled to constant success, adoration, and attention, which can lead to disappointment and frustration when reality falls short of these ideals. Constantly seeking external validation and perfection can lead to chronic stress and a fragile sense of self-esteem. There is a strong correlation between Main Character Syndrome and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.[1]
Undoubtedly, the Main Character Syndrome is a complex phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society. While it is natural for individuals to want to be the main character in their own lives, an exaggerated sense of self-importance can have detrimental effects on personal relationships, mental health, and overall well-being.
It is important to foster self-awareness, empathy, and realistic expectations. As individuals in any society, we can work towards a healthier and more balanced perspective, finding fulfillment in being both the protagonist and a supporting character in the grand narrative of life. It is crucial to recognize that every individual’s story is interconnected with countless others, and embracing this interconnectedness can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence, and a healthier society.
[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-world-real-world/202106/the-trouble-main-character-syndrome
