Perceived Value vs Intrinsic Value

The tech revolution laid waste to the distinction between perceived and intrinsic value. The advancement of AI threatens to remove it entirely. Soon, distinguishing between what is real and what is a fabrication may become impossible. We receive immense amounts of non-contextual, highly curated information daily through our phones, our computers, and other devices in our home and business. Television once did this to some extent, but it was never individually directed, and there was always an off switch. With computer-driven AI, neither is true.

Perceived value is like life on someone’s Instagram. It looks great but rarely reflects reality. Women achieve perceived value by posting enhanced photos of themselves, photos that often do not reflect their appearance in the real world. Men raise their perceived value by associating with other men with intrinsic value, often now through elaborate online account links and shares. Value tends to rub off, and these low-value men understand that the fastest way to level up is to get close to men who have already done the work. 

Intrinsic value exists outside of any attempt at curation. It’s truth. It does not bend to the will of a program or a filter app. Beauty without make-up or filters is intrinsic. Actually lifting heavy weight is intrinsic strength. A pattern of acts of generosity and sacrifice reveals intrinsic values that have…well…value. Someone who has real, proven friends reveals intrinsic value that a high social media follower count does not.