Main character syndrome: How Gen Z turned self-perception into a trend

Main Character Syndrome is a term that began to surface on social media (primarily on TikTok) about two years ago. Initially, it appeared sporadically but quickly gained the attention of a wider audience. It has gone viral and become a trend among Generation Z and young millennials. What does this phenomenon, which emerged on social media, involve?

Main Character Syndrome originated on social media and cannot be treated as a genuine syndrome or classified as a psychological disorder. The term refers to individuals who see themselves as the main character in their own lives. They view their experiences, actions, and relationships through the lens of being the protagonist of their personal narrative. This syndrome is closely linked to narcissism and egocentrism; the key here is the excessive focus on oneself, the desire for recognition, and the belief in one's uniqueness. Being the protagonist, like the main character of a literary work around whom the plot revolves, gives the individual a sense of importance, control, and significance in their own life story. It provides a sense of purpose and agency.

What does it look like in practice? The main characters make a big event, from a simple morning trip to the bakery for fresh doughnuts. They turn a daily chore into something special, unique, and significant. Of course, they play a pivotal role in this scene themselves. On TikTok, showcasing weekend outings for coffee and a croissant at a nearby café is trendy.

Several typical traits can be identified in the case of main character syndrome. One of them is that a person with this syndrome presents everyone with an idealised image of themselves and their reality. Their everyday life, in their opinion, deserves attention. No one must disrupt the perfect image of the main character; otherwise, they are quick to cut off such an "enemy."

Main Character Syndrome attracts narcissistic and egocentric individuals who are convinced that everything should revolve around them; others should view them the same way they see themselves, as the heroes of their everyday lives.

Authenticity does not matter here. The main character often portrays themselves as a completely different person, seen in an idealised version, leading a perfect life, because that is what they show on social media.

Many people, especially from the generation of today's youths' parents, find it difficult to understand what drives young people to engage in such behaviour. However, the answer is not as complicated as it might seem. Young people today do not want to be ordinary "normals" - living in mundane everyday life. They are looking for ways to make their lives more interesting, captivate others, and increase their attractiveness to their surroundings. It turns out that even a dull ride on public transport can be a true, romantic adventure.

Can this trend be classified as unequivocally good or bad? Although promoting an ideal reality online should not be met with approval, this trend can have its positive aspects. Which ones? It is about appreciating seemingly ordinary moments and learning to draw joy from such moments. Noticing small pleasures translates to increased happiness; if we can derive joy from a simple coffee outing, then we need very little to be happy.

On the other hand, for many people, main character syndrome can be a way of coping with emotional problems, which, in extreme cases, can take a worrying form. This refers to instances where narcissistic personality disorders emerge. After all, a person who sees themselves as the protagonist may have trouble accepting any form of criticism - even an innocent joke can feel like a severe insult. Pretending to be the main character is often the beginning of losing control over one's life.