"I want him to have gone to a prestigious university and work for or have founded an innovative startup. I want my parents and their friends to think I got a "good catch," Liza responds. "What about his personality?" I ask. "I want to be able to go to good restaurants and shows and travel to nice places together," she responds. "But what do you think would make you feel close and connected on a deep level?" I persist. "I have no idea," she said."
"Ted, 67, is thinking of retiring after decades of working in the corporate world. His problem: He has no idea how he will spend his time. His life has been controlled until now by schedules imposed on him first by his schooling and then by work responsibilities. "Doc, I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life," he tells me."
Patients illustrate a loss of authentic self: one prioritizes social status over emotional closeness and cannot identify deep connection, another doubts whether feelings are genuine or performed, and a third lacks purpose after work-defined routines end. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping daily life, altering how people learn, work, create, shop, travel, and make decisions. Depersonalization related to technological change can erode self-knowledge and interpersonal relatedness. Guilt, insecurity, the need to please others, and fear impede access to authentic self-awareness. Depression and despair are not inevitable, and multiple treatments can help restore authenticity and improve well-being.
Read at Psychology Today
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