Thread by @js_horne

We live in the era of "Authenticity"

It's a cultural idea that shapes modern identity, work and life. Similar to Romanticism in the 19th century.

It explains phenomenons like Airbnb, Instagram, memes, Supreme and modern startup culture. Here's some useful articles:

's in depth exploration of the past 20 years of Authenticity is a perfect starting point to learn.

It helps get your head around what it is and describes how we're now in an era of "after authenticity".

subpixel.space/entries/after-…

's Mass Authentic goes deep on Authenticity's characteristics, definitions, and relates it to other ideologies like neoliberalism and behaviors like surveillance

thenewinquiry.com/blog/mass-auth…

's concept of "Premium Mediocre" helped me grok authenticity through example.

"Premium mediocre is food that Instagrams better than it tastes."

ribbonfarm.com/2017/08/17/the…

's description of the post-hipster a.k.a the Yuccie (Young Urban Creatives) It hit a little too close to home when I read it 😅

"More money is good, but more creative money is better."

mashable.com/2015/06/09/pos…

introduces the concept of "Airspace"—a global aesthetic perpetuated by tech companies.

Where coffee shops, bars, startup offices, and co-live / work spaces share the same hallmarks everywhere you go.

theverge.com/2016/8/3/12325…

Counterpoint to Airspace for interest:

"the global aesthetic that these establishments bring to their towns contribute to a sense of connection with their peers in Copenhagen and San Francisco.”

economist.com/blogs/prospero…