Thank you for your thoughtful comment; I'm glad you found the essay engaging. The contrast between homo ludens and homo faber indeed offers a compelling perspective on how society is evolving. As you mentioned, the increasing emphasis on viewing ourselves as "players" can make life seem like "all fun and games," potentially undermining the value of struggle, failure, and solitary reflection—experiences crucial for personal growth and maturity.

The normalization of gamification leverages behavioural science and relies heavily on persuasion techniques to achieve specific goals. These methods are often concealed within dark patterns and user experience optimizations that subtly manipulate behaviour. It's ironic how industries can easily influence self-focused individuals by enticing them with slogans like "Become a better version of you."

In game theory and behavioural economics, self-interested individuals can be influenced through strategically designed incentives. Social media platforms, for example, use gamification elements—such as likes, shares, and follower counts—to exploit our desire for social validation and immediate rewards.

This is akin to the "public goods game," where individuals contribute to a shared pool but are also tempted to free-ride on others' contributions. By tapping into these dynamics, platforms encourage users to share more personal content like selfies, reinforcing self-centred behaviours and prioritizing instant gratification over deeper connections.

The growing popularity of selfies is thus a manifestation of these societal trends, reflecting how personal image and immediate gratification have become increasingly prominent. Thank you again for your insightful reflections; they add a valuable dimension to the discussion.