By Melissa Fleur AfsharShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberA 22-year-old entrepreneur and content creator from New York City has sparked conversation among viewers online about the toll of American hyperindividualism, after candidly calling out what she views as a cultural obsession with independence that has left people, particularly within Gen Z, feeling lonelier and less connected.
In a now-viral TikTok video shared on October 24, Sanjita Pamidimukkala, known online as @sanjipami, tells her followers: "Have you noticed how in America everyone is so obsessed with being independent and no one is actually happy?"
Her words, delivered directly into the camera lens, have struck a chord with thousands on the platform. The clip has since amassed more than 737,000 views and over 167,000 likes. The video was titled: "Hyperindividualism is destroying America."
Pamidimukkala’s remarks, which, she told Newsweek, question the prioritization of boundaries and self-care over community and sacrifice, come at a time when rates of loneliness, anxiety and political polarization are rising. Her video ignited a wave of agreement and introspection from viewers, many of whom commented that friendships now feel "transactional" and that society has become increasingly disconnected.
"I wanted to capture something I think many people feel but don’t always name: that excessive self-focus can leave people disconnected, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to build meaningful community ties," she said.
Dr. Dakari Quimby, a clinical adviser at New Jersey Behavioral Health Center in Hillsborough Township, told Newsweek that, while the U.S. has always had a more individualistic culture, more Americans are spending their free time alone since the early 2000s.
..."National surveys and the U.S. Surgeon General describe this as an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, where more than half of adult’s report loneliness and younger adults report the highest rates of loneliness even though they are heavily connected online," Quimby said. "It is unclear if we are actually losing our sense of community, and seems to be more of a restructure, where we have more online communities popping up to encourage engagement and interaction.
"However, this doesn’t seem to replace the health and democracy benefits of in-person networks and if current trends continue, research suggests some pros and cons for socialization and mental health…Potential harms include burdens on mental and physical health, weakened social trust, effects on economics and productivity, and intergenerational ripples."
Pamidimukkala's TikTok video draws on her personal observations and worries about how remaining self-focused would impact Gen Z in the long-term.
"I feel that, in a lot of communities outside the U.S., you are raised to believe you need your people, you need villagers," she says in the clip. "You just need friends who show up for you and feed you; you don’t have to ask, that is what keeps us alive."
Pamidimukkala also challenged popular wellness culture which has seen many Gen Zers trade a night out with friends for a night in journaling or meditating.
"As we get older though, I’ve noticed there is this emphasis on boundaries and self-care, but to me, a lot of that is just masked selfishness and isolation," she said. "I’m sorry; to me, feeling tired and needing self-care is not an excuse to not show up for your friends.
"Like friendship to me is built on sacrifice sometimes, and one of the most beautiful things about friendship and connection and relationships is being willing to make sacrifices for each other."
Her video critiques what she sees as a cultural unwillingness to tolerate the discomfort that can come from investing in relationships and community.
"Everyone in America is wondering why our friendships feel so shallow and we’re all so anxious," she said. "I think this hyperindividualism doesn’t just mess up our friendships, it’s also why our politics is so messed up.
"Why can’t we vote for social programs that would help everybody? Because we are so deeply trained from a very young age to only care about ourselves, our comfort and our bubble."
While the tone of the video is frank, the message has resonated with viewers of all backgrounds. In comments on the post, users shared their own feelings of social disconnection and agreed that communal care has been increasingly lost in American culture.
Pamidimukkala, who graduated from UCLA and now works as a model and business founder, said her perspective is shaped by her experiences growing up online and building her career while striving to uplift communities.
"Gen Z, in particular, is caught between craving connection and being raised in a culture that values independence above all else," she said. "Many of us grew up online, exposed to algorithmic reinforcement of individualism and constant comparison.
"I think this has made it harder to form long-term friendships and community bonds, even though the desire for them is stronger than ever."
Though her critique of American society is pointed, Pamidimukkala’s message is rooted in hope for stronger communal bonds.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
On the InternetDick Cheney’s Funeral Photo Goes Viral Over Unexpected Seating Arrangement3 min read
On the InternetIs Timothee Chalamet a Secret Rapper? All the Clues for and Against3 min read
On the InternetWoman Who Doesn’t Smoke Shares Her ‘Cigarette Break’ at Work—Goes Viral3 min read
On the InternetMan Finds ATM Receipt, Can’t Believe What’s Written on It: ‘How?’3 min read
LifeMan Turns 40, Plans Party—What Happens Instead Breaks His Heart: ‘Defeated’3 min read
On the InternetWoman Gets Engaged in Central Park—Her Search for Stranger’s POV Goes Viral4 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
WorldZelensky Says Ukraine Facing One Of ‘Most Difficult Moments’ Over Peace Plan—Live Updates1 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Trump Shouts ‘Sedition,’ But Troops Don’t Agree5 min read
U.S.Jasmine Crockett Says Person Made ‘White Supremacist Threats’ at Her Office4 min read
NewsTrump Skips G20 Summit—Here’s Who Else Won’t Be There5 min read
PoliticsDemocrats Keep Face Planting After Wins7 min read
WorldUS Gives Ukraine One Week to Back Peace Deal or Risk Losing Weapons: Report4 min readTrending
NursesNursing Is No Longer Counted as a ‘Professional Degree’ by Trump Admin7 min read
SNAP benefitsSNAP Benefits Update: USDA To ‘Completely Deconstruct’ Program3 min read
Zohran MamdaniFact Check: Is Mamdani Introducing Arabic Numerals To New York Schools?3 min read
Breaking NewsDemocrats React to Donald Trump’s ‘Punishable by Death’ Remark6 min read
Donald TrumpDonald Trump Demands ‘Seditious’ Democrats Arrested: ‘Punishable by Death’4 min readOpinion
OpinionLatinos Catch the Fish. Why Aren’t They at the Decision-Making Table? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhy Is the US Punishing Legal Immigrants? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhat Is an American?6 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: MAGA Infighting Edition2 min read
OpinionNFL Players Show We Can All Solve America’s Problems | Opinion5 min read