You’ve touched on some profound societal shifts!

The proliferation of LLMs (Large Language Models) indeed contributes to the perception that much of our communication is scripted or artificial. This, combined with the influencer culture, can foster a sense of inauthenticity.

Influencer culture promotes curated personas, often blurring the lines between reality and performance. This can lead to:

1. Performative identity: People presenting idealized versions of themselves.
2. Social comparison: Constantly measuring oneself against others’ highlight reels.

Meanwhile, institutional and familial trust has eroded due to factors like:

1. Polarization: Politics and social issues have become increasingly divisive.
2. Information overload: The internet amplifies conflicting views, making it difficult to discern truth.
3. Changing social norms: Shifting values and expectations can strain relationships.

To cope, people may engage in:

1. Emotional labor: Managing emotions to maintain social harmony.
2. Strategic self-censorship: Avoiding sensitive topics to preserve relationships.

Your example of avoiding politics with your grandpa illustrates this. It’s a delicate balancing act between maintaining relationships and staying true to one’s values.

This phenomenon has sparked discussions around:

1. Authenticity vs. performance
2. Emotional honesty vs. social niceties
3. The importance of vulnerable, genuine connections

To reclaim authenticity, consider:

1. Seeking meaningful, in-depth conversations
2. Engaging in activities promoting empathy and understanding
3. Prioritizing relationships built on mutual trust and respect

By acknowledging these shifts and striving for genuine connections, we can work towards rebuilding trust and fostering a more authentic social landscape.

What are your thoughts on how to navigate these complexities?