What would Patrick Bateman do?

Uncertainty Coping Strategies from Street Fishing to IV Therapy

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In recent days, two seemingly disparate stories have converged in my mind, highlighting a universal pursuit of well-being amidst the urban grind. The first, a report from German Tagesschau, unveils a growing trend of street fishing in France, where urbanites, especially the youth, are casting lines into city waters as an escape from metropolitan chaos. The second, by The New York Times, details the extravagant lengths to which New York's elite go to maintain their health and vitality, including services like NutriDrip's IV vitamin therapy. While these narratives unfold across different continents and cultures, they both speak to an innate human response to modern life: the quest for activities and services that promise a respite or a shield from the pressures of … existing.

Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of a pattern that has been evident since my days co-running Third Wave with Johannes: the adoption of Uncertainty Coping Strategies. Broadly speaking, these are various behaviors, products, and practices people employ to manage the strains of everyday reality. Our work has consistently identified a spectrum ranging from technological interventions like neuroimplants to the rise in mindfulness services.

The staggering contrasts in how different socioeconomic groups address these pressures are well illustrated by the recent New York Times article. It highlights a plethora of luxurious conveniences, such as the exclusive private clubs with six-figure initiation fees. Among these, NutriDrip's in-home IV vitamin service stands out, offering 'NutriCleanse drips' to combat the 'toxins from urban exposure,' at a premium cost that diminishes with membership—embodying the trend of health becoming a luxury.

Screenshot from NutriDrip website

This is noteworthy for a couple of reasons:

1. The concept isn't foreign to me; I've experienced IV vitamin therapy myself in Berlin, where it was touted as a preventive measure against colds. While the verdict on IV therapy's overall benefits is still out, the experience was certainly memorable. It's intriguing enough that I wouldn't rule out exploring similar wellness services here in Berlin.

2. The extent to which we're willing to go to mitigate the impacts of our lifestyle choices is astonishing. The language used by NutriDrip could be lifted from the pages of 'American Psycho,' and it echoes a chilling sentiment of that narrative, reflecting a side of us that seeks a panacea for the wear and tear of a hard-charging life.

To quote, briefly, from the character Patrick Bateman: "My mask of sanity is about to slip." In our current context, services like NutriDrip might just be what keeps that mask in place for those who can afford it.

Screenshot from NutriDrip website

These anecdotes illustrate a broader narrative about the commodification of wellness and the disparity in access to health services. From street fishing to exclusive health clubs, the methods may differ, but the underlying impulse is the same. Whether it’s the youth in France seeking tranquility in urban waters or affluent New Yorkers seeking rejuvenation through premium services, the desire to cope with the demands of modern seems universal. The landscape of wellness and coping strategies continues to evolve, reflecting our collective yearning for balance in an increasingly complex world.

P.S.: Lets not dwell too long on the fact that I managed to somehow suggest that I have similar … eh … cravings like Patrick Bateman.