Instagram nation

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Jason Lim

Instagram nation

Posted : 2023-08-15 15:08

Updated : 2023-08-15 15:08

By Jason Lim

Growing up in the '80s, I remember how "conspicuous consumption" was used to describe a lifestyle in which luxurious "things" were bought for the express purpose of showing off, thereby gaining a sense of superiority from the collective envy of others. The only limiting factor about conspicuous consumption was that you actually had to have the resources to consume something outlandish enough to be worthy of showing off.

With the advent of social media, especially visual-focused platforms such as Instagram, conspicuous consumption took on wings. You were no longer constrained by the physical circle of acquaintances from which to draw your envy. The whole world was at your fingertips to elicit such emotion. Further, envy literally became the coin of the realm, with likes and followers leading to actual riches. What's funny is that consumption became separate from the conspicuous part in this new Instagram world; you didn't actually have to buy or own anything to elicit the envy you wanted. You only had to show it off.

I actually remember watching a tell-all show whereby Instagram influencers would rent private jet look-alike sets from which to take photos to show off to their followers. Concepts such as substance or authenticity have become almost quaint, bygone values from a bygone era; no longer relevant in this brave new world where what you see (within the first 5 seconds) is the entirety of what you get.

It reminded me of the fancy hotel buffet that I just went to last night in Seoul. Everything was glittering, from the people, tables, place settings, lighting, pool, hotel, plates and displays of dishes too numerous to count. Pretty people eating at a pretty place. However, everything tasted bland and similar. It was almost as if the buffet was intentionally designed to be a visual spectacle and wasn't really about the food. In a way, this makes total sense in today's world. After all, businesses would rather be Instagram-worthy. Who cares about the damn food critics? The restaurant's optimal return on investment is on providing a ready-made platform for people to show off, not necessarily enjoy the quality of the food.

This brings me back to the biggest news in Korea for the past week. The disaster that was the World Scout Jamboree. Or maybe not. Apparently, K-pop is the panacea for even the worst man-made disaster. After the World Scout Jamboree was marred by dreadful preparation and scorching heat, a lineup of 20 K-Pop acts performed at the Seoul World Cup Stadium to bring salvation to purgatory.

Admittedly, the central government did a commendable job in stepping in and managing the crisis to squeeze some positivity out of a situation quickly spiraling out of control. Some have criticized the government for heavy handiness in coercing private businesses to house, feed and entertain the 40,000 plus young people from all over the world at a moment's notice. However, that this was even possible speaks volumes of Korea's capacity to logistically absorb such overflow.

Korean newspapers the day after the lineup of 20 K-pop acts took the stage at the "K-pop Super Live" concert ― with household names that included IVE, NewJeans, NCT Dream, ITZY, Mamamoo, Kwon Eun-bi, etc. ― printed self-congratulatory headlines and stories crowing the fact that the scouts had a wonderful time after all. Never mind the original plans for the Jamboree. As long as the kids had a good time and went back with a good impression of Korea, then the outcome was a success. The most important thing was to keep Korea's reputation for excellence and competence intact to the outside world. Korea's Instagram feed has to remain immaculate.

Of course, no one talked about what didn't happen. Due to the inexcusable lack of preparation, planning and foresight, the scouts weren't able to do what I assume the scouts were here to do. They didn't come to Korea to attend a K-pop concert as a group. They didn't come to Korea to be led around like tourists or sleep in fancy hotels. Although I am not familiar with the original schedule and agenda of the World Scout Jamboree, I assume those went out the window pretty early when the first bunch of kids started dropping in the heat amidst nauseous whiff of unsanitary bathrooms, lukewarm water and giant mosquitoes.

In short, none of the substance of the event happened. The camaraderie, growth and sense of service that would have made the quadrennial event meaningful and authentic ― and not just enjoyable ― for the participants didn't happen. And those are what really define the course of the life of the individual and nations alike: the authenticity of the experience that creates character. Depriving the kids of that opportunity is really the true cost of the incompetence that the world just witnessed. But, hey, they at least got cool selfies that they can upload.

Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington, D.C.-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture.