At some events, casual conversation has a burdensome, perfomative element.

Perhaps what has changed is the veneer. There is more meme-dropping in addition to garish status-boasting. The narrator mentions some interesting ideas but doesn't feel the need to impose himself. I laughed at the passing mention of spirituality without religion... It's hard to Do No Harm in the world that we have built.

Narcissocial media has also made people ready to assert things that are -- to be frank -- none of my interest or business.