The “Fake Los Angeles People” phenomenon is going to make a lot of people unhappy. I highly recommend googling “Fake Los Angeles People” and reading the many explanations as to why this happens. It’s important to recognize that this is a common stereotype, but not a rule.
And once you do that, here’s my take:
Why are people from LA perceived as fake?
Some folks blame the entertainment industry, others say its the plastic surgery culture, or that everyone is too superficial to develop meaningful relationships.
I have a different theory.
In a 2008, peer-reviewed study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Seattle was ranked the least extroverted city in America.
What are the social implications of a city of introverts like Seattle?
Newcomers to the area have described Seattleites as being standoffish, cold, distant, and not trusting. Its so prevalent, this phenomenon is called the “Seattle Freeze.”
Of course, these people aren’t actually giving you the cold shoulder. They’re just introverts, and they made the rules of socializing in Seattle. If you want to make friends with an introvert, it requires patience.
In that same study, Los Angeles was ranked the most extroverted city in America.
Dare we ask…What are the social implications of a city of extroverts like Los Angeles?
One extrovert is great. I can handle that. But an entire city?! I hate referencing this clickbait, but BuzzFeed really nails it.
Everyone in LA is so darn sociable and friendly, but it doesn’t seem genuine when you’re a complete stranger. I believe this is why people in LA are described as fake.
No, many of them aren’t actually fake. They’re all just deliriously friendly puppy dogs. But thats not normal for many people, so it comes off as fake.