H

hyper-individualism

(n.) - DEFUNCTION [not a neologism]

The defunction that exists as "an extreme focus on personal autonomy, desires, and self-interest, to the point where it neglects or actively disregards the needs of the community, collective well-being, and shared responsibilities. It's an intensified version of individualism where people see themselves as isolated agents, responsible only for their own success, often leading to social disengagement, loneliness, and reduced civic participation."

Key characteristics:

• Extreme self-reliance: Prioritizing personal goals above all, even when it harms the group.

• Disregard for society: Acting without regard for societal norms, rules, or the common good.

• Focus on "me": A "me, me, me" mentality where individual satisfaction supersedes collective needs.

• Erosion of social bonds: Weakening community ties and shared responsibility, as seen in declining civic engagement and increased loneliness.

Examples in action:

• Ignoring shared rules: Disregarding traffic laws like stop signs or running red lights.

• Environmental issues: Prioritizing personal consumption over collective sustainability efforts.

• Social interactions: A lack of basic courtesy or a sense of obligation to others in social settings.

Contrast with healthy individualism:

• Healthy individualism: Encourages personal growth, self-mastery, and achieving potential, often benefiting society.

• Hyper-individualism: An excessive, detrimental form where self-interest harms the collective, creating a breakdown in social cohesion.

[This definition comes from Google's Gemini AI]