Things a deeper-minded individual finds unenjoyable, contrary to popular opinion as entertainment:
In a 2023 article, Sylvia Ojeda listed 11 things that smart, deep thinkers find annoying or unappealing, even though others might consider them fun. While the specific list provided by Ojeda is not available, we can explore common themes from similar discussions about what deep thinkers find unappealing compared to more typical social fun.
Firstly, competition in conversations can feel more like one-upping each other for those who think deeply. Good conversation, for them, is less about showmanship and more about uncovering something with meaning. They find the focus on winning arguments or impressing others to be counterproductive to genuine dialogue.
Secondly, performative activism, such as sharing hashtags or posting black squares, is seen as phony by those who value depth. They believe that these actions are more about saving face than bringing about change. They prefer authentic engagement and meaningful action over superficial displays.
Thirdly, forced group activities, whether in social or professional settings, can feel hollow and suffocating to someone who values genuine connection. These activities may require surface-level socializing and performative behaviour, which goes against their desire for authentic interactions.
Fourthly, presenting an overly polished version of oneself can make it seem like one is trying to avoid having difficult conversations. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that this can feel dishonest to others and oneself. Deep thinkers value honesty and authenticity in their interactions.
Fifthly, mindless consumerism, as evidenced by Americans' tendency to impulse-buy, is a concern for those who value depth. They believe that this consumer culture has led society down a dark path.
In the workplace, forced group activities can be stressful for some because they require a lot, like socializing on a surface level and acting performative. A study from Nature Communications found that when networking becomes disingenuous or performative, it may undermine not only the quality of the connection but also the emotional aspect of it.
Lastly, people of depth value intentionality and accumulation. They care about where things come from and whether those things contribute to a life well-lived. They are less interested in accumulating things for the sake of it and more interested in acquiring things that have meaning and purpose.
While these themes may not be the exact 11 points listed by Sylvia Ojeda in her 2023 article, they provide a useful insight into what deep thinkers find unappealing in common social activities. Understanding these preferences can help us foster more meaningful and authentic connections in our daily lives.
- Deep thinkers often find traditional marriage storylines in fashion-and-beauty media unappealing, as they seek authenticity and psychological depth over stereotypical narratives.
- In education-and-self-development resources, deep thinkers may find the shallow approaches to relationships, such as superficial tips for boosting one's love life, distasteful, preferring comprehensive studies on emotional intelligence and personal growth.
- When it comes to lifestyle choices, such as food and drink, deep thinkers might be put off by fast-food culture and mass-produced items, opting instead for locally sourced, mindfully-prepared meals that reflect their values of intention and purpose.
- Frivolous fashion trends and beauty standards may be considered unappealing by deep thinkers, who seek clothing and cosmetics that reflect their individuality and personal stories, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
- For deep thinkers, stories that lack substance in literature and media may be less satisfying, as they prioritize complex characters, captivating psychological explorations, and thought-provoking narratives over simple, surface-level plots.
