Americans Own Less Stuff, and That’s Reason to Be Nervous

Re:Americans Own Less Stuff, and That’s Reason to Be Nervous by chiefalchemist on Tuesday August 14, 2018 @05:16PM (#17761980)

> "I have the option of interacting with people who actually share my interests or concerns or hobbies"

Have you stopped to consider the unintended consequences of this? Mainly, that you become so comfortable with lack of adversity and diversity (of ideas, etc.) that when the time comes to leave the bubble you're unprepared. You don't have the tools and mindset to adjust to those who are unlike you.

Yes. It's nice to find others similar to you. But just the same, there's also value in being an island and still being capable of interacting with strangers.

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Re:Americans Own Less Stuff, and That’s Reason to Be Nervous by Kalium on Tuesday August 14, 2018 @06:28PM (#17762469)

You're absolutely right! It's very possible to become so inculcated with the level norms and comfort and lack of diversity of a community that you cannot function outside that bubble. You lack the tools to even consider such a thing.

It's a terrifying thing. You've described the experience many have upon moving out of a small town in the Midwest. A good friend is having the same experience now when she looks to move away from the Bay Area.

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