If you're feeling like a lab rat in a science experiment, manipulated by shadowy forces for unknown purposes, that’s because you're waking up to the reality of the situation. … We are a nation of lab rats. … The hijacking of our wiring by Instagram, principally the mirror neuron pathway that seeks to learn and quickly adopt the behaviors of the successful people around us (very useful in a tribal setting), leaves us ultimately depressed and deflated when presented with the unattainable visual images endlessly posted by celebrities and the ultra-wealthy -- most who have professional help carefully crafting their posts using Photoshop and careful staging.
The incredible documentary 'HyperNormalization' by Adam Curtis (released on Oct 16, 2016 on BBC), provides one of the best exposés I've yet seen on the intentional and deliberate strategy to keep the populace numbed and subjugated, so that it will be easier to manipulate. It really is a "must watch":
While there are still spoils to be had, the powers that be are racing to secure them for themselves, at the expense of the unsuspecting masses. In order to avoid ending up inheriting a future with no resources and no prospects, we each need each other -- and the world needs us, as well -- to bring our very best selves to the story. … There are powerful forces at work that want the exact opposite of that. Not because there’s an equally valid competing philosophy they offer, but because they want your money for their bank accounts and they want their social power to remain uncontested.
And yes, HyperNormalization is a must watch. It weaves a fascinating story showing the links between things as diverse as the New York City bankruptcy, how Kissinger’s betrayal of Assad led to the birth of suicide bombing as a tactic, Eliza and the development of artificial intelligence, Reagan’s bogus attack of Libya, the rise of Trump, perception management, and much more. Wikilink: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperNormalisation