It’s not uncommon to come across individuals on social media who seem to have an insatiable need to be heard and to be right. They’ll often engage in heated exchanges with others (or AI), always insisting on having the last word. This type of behavior can be particularly pronounced on platforms like Twitter, where the fast-paced and public nature of the conversations can fuel this need to constantly assert oneself.
One possible explanation for this type of behavior is narcissistic personality disorder. People with narcissistic personality disorder have an inflated sense of self-importance and a strong need for attention and admiration. They may also have a deep-seated need to be perceived as superior to others, and may feel a compulsion to always be right and to have the last word in conversations.
On Twitter, this can manifest as a constant need to chime in on threads, even if they are not directly involved, and to correct or argue with others. They may also engage in excessive self-promotion and attention-seeking behavior, such as tweeting multiple times a day about their accomplishments, posting pictures of themselves, posting price values of items they possess, bragging about owning assets common to society, and bragging about their career, in order to receive validation and admiration from others.
It’s important to note that not everyone who engages in this type of behavior on social media has a narcissistic personality disorder, but it’s a possible explanation. Social media can be a breeding ground for this kind of behavior because it allows individuals to present a curated version of themselves to the public, and to receive instant validation and feedback for their actions.
It is possible for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to have narcissistic personality disorder, especially when jargon is accompanied with a misuse of grammar, sexual epithets, lude language, and the repetition of lexicon.
For example, some individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may develop narcissistic traits as a coping mechanism to deal with feelings of low self-worth, insecurity, or inadequacy. They may use grandiose thinking, fantasies of power and success, and a sense of entitlement to compensate for these feelings.
It’s also important to note that narcissistic personality disorder is a complex condition that can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental and societal factors. Research also indicates that poor people who have narcissistic traits may have a different type of narcissism, called “vulnerable narcissism” which is characterized by a lack of self-esteem and insecurity, and a constant need for validation and admiration.
It’s essential to remember that no two people with narcissistic personality disorder are exactly alike, and that the condition can affect individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Another type of behavior that may fit this online persona and behavior is called Mythomania, or what is commonly referred to as pathological lying.
Pathological lying is characterized by frequent and habitual lying that is not driven by any obvious gain or benefit. People with this disorder often lie for no reason, and their lies can be elaborate and difficult to detect. They may also have a history of lying in many areas of their life, including personal, work, and financial matters.
It’s important to note that this disorder is relatively rare, and it is typically seen in individuals who have underlying mental health conditions such as a personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, and it’s diagnosis would require a professional evaluation by a mental health professional.
It’s essential to remember that social media is not a substitute for real-life interactions, and that the way we present ourselves online may not be an accurate reflection of who we are in the real world. It’s also important to be mindful of our own behavior on social media, and to consider whether we may be engaging in similar attention-seeking or need-to-be-right behavior.