[OPINION] Epstein and Ian: Everyone Wants Attention

Last week, a monogrammed quarter-zip fleece belonging to child sex offender, trafficker, blackmail artist and generally evil person Jeffrey Epstein was sold for $11,000 by a Miami-based clothing store. Epstein’s initials, J.E.E., are embroidered on the chest, and the sweatshirt has appeared in several infamous photos of the pedophile. This piece, which may or may not be authentic, was bought by none other than disgraced fashion model and designer Ian Connor, someone with more than enough allegations of his own. This made me think about something I have had stewing in my brain for the last few weeks. Due to the internet — and social media especially — I believe many people of the modern day have developed an insatiable thirst for attention that is, so far, unparalleled.

Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted pedophile who was able to ruin the lives of countless children in unimaginable ways because he had unimaginable power. For each disgusting thing you have heard about him, there are a hundred even worse things you don’t know. Ian Connor, accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than 30 women, is somewhat known for his constant edgy statements and habits to garner attention. This sweatshirt purchase was obviously another instance of Connor trying to provoke, and I’m not really going to focus on that. I am more interested in this growing trend of attention seeking and clout-chasing that, in my opinion, more people are succumbing to each day.

I first started really thinking about this a few weeks ago when I went to the movie theater to see a new horror film, “Weapons.” There was a kid in the front row who was probably no older than 17, and every single time something remotely strange happened onscreen, he would loudly say, “Oh hell no!” He did this, no joke, about every four minutes for the entire movie. He wasn’t even doing it during scary parts; he just wanted attention and to be the guy that makes everyone laugh. They stopped laughing after the second time. Maybe this all makes me sound like a baby boomer, but it is hard for me to ignore now.

With it being so easy nowadays to go viral on Instagram Reels or TikTok, everyone is looking for their shot at quick and hollow internet attention. Users will go out with their friend or Meta Glasses recording and interview people, pull pranks, antagonize strangers and more. Much of it is entertaining and reminiscent of YouTube 10 years ago, but the sheer abundance of this type of real-life content is what makes me think. If you go out to the mall or beach or club, you see these people actively filming this content. A month ago, I was at a water park and had to steer clear of some teenagers who were filming a “what’s your body count?” video. It feels like young and old people alike are trampling over each other to be the funniest, the edgiest, the hottest — whatever. The mosh pits and guy getting onstage dressed like Batman at the Fakemink Toronto show come to mind. Not everything has to be about you.

The irony of writing and posting about people who do outrageous things purely for attention is not lost on me. Months ago, I made a post saying that people who film concerts on a 3DS do it for looks, and I couldn’t even tell you how many commenters told me I should [REDACTED]. I think young people, myself included sometimes, have an increasing tendency to resort to humor or these attention-seeking behaviors because they are afraid of sincerity and vehemently reject any chance they get to be vulnerable. Cynicism, callousness and being performative have become trends because of social media, and it’s pretty lame. How the hell can someone mosh to a Fakemink song? I think deep down it’s probably because they are afraid to dance. The purchase of the Jeffrey Epstein fleece was a move made only for attention, but it highlights a greater problem present in current online culture that is trickling into human behavior.