Struggling to Understand the Minds of Life's Eternal "Cheaters"

There are aspects of being alive in this day and age that just tires me; disappoints me.

Just a short while ago, I saw yet another post from @stef1, uncovering another case of identity theft/manipulation here in our Steemit community.

I suppose it would be the obvious choice to shrug it off and simply say "yeah well, that's life."

I find it harder and harder to do so because it seems like there is just so much cheating and fraud in our world that it pops up almost everywhere you go.

Earlier today, I chose to ignore (for the 3rd week running) a challenge to play a Facebook game with someone in my friends list. I do actually enjoy playing that particular game, but I also know this particular individual uses a "cheat script" when playing, meaning that he automatically racks up huge scores every time... without actually playing the game.

Sorry, not interested in playing against your "proxy," namely a computer.

Whereas I am not so naive as to not realize that cheating and fraud is present in the world, the thing that bothers me most about all this is the simple fact deceptive practices are getting to be regarded more and more as normal, rather than an aberration.

What I find even more disturbing is that there are actually entire cultures out there where the idea "Cheat, if you can get away with it," is not only normal, but is even regarded as positive, because getting away with it identifies you as "clever."

Perhaps I am just showing my age here... but I'm not entirely comfortable living in a world with such values!

Welcome to the "Age of Easy Money!"

I was reading one of those "sidebar commentaries" on a web site recently, where the commentator was pointing out that the antics of fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried (of FTX/Alameda Research infamy) could only come into existence because we live in the "Age of Easy Money" where people seek/expect returns and riches for no effort at all.

People invest in crypto, and almost expect to triple their money in a few months... and so, they enter the arena with a mindset that the promise of "1000% APY returns" comes across as entirely possible rather than obviously a scam.

I talk to much younger (usually 20's) friends about Web3 and its implications, and so much of the jargon — at least to this old coot! — sounds like nothing more than the illusion of "money for nothing."

Don't get me wrong... I'm not shut off to the possibility that we are likely entering an era of unprecedented abundance, but it often feels like some of the loudest Web3 fanboys/girls are completely unwilling to simply do the math, which would likely reveal the utter unsustainability of what they are proposing.

Again, don't get me wrong, people have been doubling and tripling their money annually in the legacy financial markets, as well... but they represent only a tiny fraction of a percentage! And definitely not everyone.

It may not be terribly "sexy" that I choose to get rich slowly by steadily creating blog posts (that hopefully give people something to THINK about!) but at least I'll be able to sleep at night with a clean conscience, knowing that I came by mine honestly. And it's OK, really... I'll gladly forego the Lambo!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week ahead!

How about you? How do you feel about cheaters and manipulators? Do you think it's OK to try, anyway? Do you think we live in an era where people expect "easy money?" Do leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

(All text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is ORIGINAL CONTENT, created expressly for this platform — NOT A CROSSPOST!!!)
Created at 2023.04.16 22:48 PST
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