What's often overlooked is how this self branding imperative mirrors the broader neoliberal shift where we're all expected to be entrepreneurs of our own lives. It transforms intrinsic human experiences into mere data points for external validation, effectively commodifying our identities. That constant performance for invisible algorithms doesn't just drain us, it reshapes our very sense of self worth around metrics designed for engagement, not fulfillment. We're witnessing the quiet erosion of organic community in favor of transactional networks, and that has profound implications for how we form meaningful connections and find purpose in our work. The real cost might be a generation that knows how to optimize a profile but has forgotten how to build a genuine, supportive career ecosystem.

Just send it, specs are for nerds.