Can we come to terms and acknowledge the problem with copycat culture? Have you ever felt like everything is just a different version of the same thing and originality has gone to hell in a hand basket? If you answered yes to this question, there’s a good chance copycat culture is the culprit. The way I see it, copycat culture is a real problem and here’s why:
It Stifles Creativity
The number one problem with copycat culture is it stifles creativity. If you go on social media you might notice that, if something’s become popular, you’ll see or hear it over and over and over again. You’ll see people using the same songs, doing the same challenges everyone else is using and doing, all in an effort to gain attention or go viral. The problem, however, is if you’re doing what everyone else is doing, how can you possibly stand out from the crowd? Copying encourages us to dial it in, abandon creativity and do what everyone else is doing.
It’s Mediocre
Another problem with copycat culture is that it’s so mediocre. That might sound harsh, but it’s true. It takes zero talent, thought, creativity or effort to copycat someone else’s idea, IG post, business model, etc. They say that copying is the most sincere form of flattery, but that’s not true – it’s mediocrity masquerading as admiration. Ask anyone who’s been copied and I promise you they’re not flattered. Copying is rooted in mediocrity.
When folks say copying is the most sincere form of flattery…
It’s Encourages “Short Cuts”
Copycat culture encourages short cuts. Creating something from scratch takes time. Unfortunately, we live in a microwave, instant gratification world that discourages waiting and allowing something to grow organically. So when you’re in a hurry to appear successful, what do you do? You cut and paste what you’ve seen work for others versus actually building success on your own terms.
It Discourages Individuality
Copycat culture discourages individuality. For me, this is one of the most frustrating aspects of copycat culture. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life. Our variety and individuality is what makes us interesting. Copying, by its very nature, kills individuality. Everybody ends up looking the same, while doing and saying the same thing. And to me, that’s boring. Our uniqueness and individuality is what makes us interesting.
It Falsely Implies There’s Only One Road to Success
One reason copycat culture is so prevalent is because people want to be successful. When they see that someone is successful, by society’s standards, they copy what that person has done, expecting the same results. Unfortunately, success isn’t like a recipe. You can copy exactly what someone else has done and not achieve the same results. Now, just because you don’t succeed using someone else’s recipe doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. There are many roads to success so you don’t have to copy anyone else’s.
What are your thoughts on copycat culture? Have you been the victim of copycats? Drop a comment below?