Goblin announced the world of the year 2022 by Oxford dictionary. But why?
2022 is almost over and the year was like no other. If you are lazing around in bed and snacking on a bag of chips surrounded by a general sense of apathy with the world then you are not the only one. Like others, you were too in Goblin Mode, which is why this has been chosen as the Oxford word of the year 2022 with more than 3 lakh English speakers voting for it.
What is Goblin Mode?
Goblin Mode is a slang term, often used in the expressions ‘in goblin mode’ or to go goblin mode’. It is a ‘type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly or greedy’. Typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations,” says the Oxford language.
Do your parents have high expectations from you? Doesn’t matter because you don’t care.
Your boss waiting for you to meet a deadline? Doesn’t matter, you rather binge-watch your favourite series from the comforts of your couch.
Why did this unflattering term come to define the whole year?
It has come to define the mood of generations in 2022. Lethargy, self-indulgence, and apathy are the adjectives which are used to describe what people felt this year. But it is not all negative. There was a sense of rebellion against the status quo.
It all began in the months after the pandemic restrictions were lifted. The world opened up gradually but many were not ready for it. They were not ready to head back to the concrete jungle of boardroom meetings, in-person classes, and one-on-one consultations. They were not ready for normal life and stayed back in goblin mode.
Many took to social media to advocate for work from home. They voiced their opposition to unsuitable lifestyles and rediscovered themselves within the confines of their homes. They rejected their current priorities for the new ones. Some quit their jobs and look for something different with more meaning.
Adverse effects of Goblin Mode
Goblin mode also gave such people a room to experiment, shut out the noise and find themselves again. However, experts believe that staying in goblin mode for a long time will eventually leave you lazy. You forget about challenging social norms. Instead, through all semblance of routine out the window, you ditched all notions of self-improvement and simply stopped caring which is why a term from 2009 has come to define us in 2022.
We saw the rise of apps like BeReal where users would post ransom photos of their daily activities, apart from filters, a news feed, and pandering social norms; youngsters are entering goblin mode with a motto, ‘Do what you want, and as you please.
However, as we are ready to say goodbye to 2022, a question has been raised on the lifestyle of such people, is this what we want?
Conclusion
Being real and authentic never gets old but lethargy and apathy will not get you anywhere. You may be overwhelmed by social media, but between these noises, the careless attitude and self-indulgence could be a dangerous cocktail for your future.
You may think that there is a war in Europe, a doom and gloom of inflation, the talk of recession, rising prices, and mass layoffs. Therefore, this goblin mode seems the easy way out and a safer place to live in.
However, it is easy to stay undercover and not care, but as we are entering the New Year. Therefore, you must care about what is happening around you, and pay attention to global events, trends and movements.
Only then, will you be able to prepare for 2023. Stop being a spectator and start to be an active participant in your own life.
