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Will Storr’s book The Status Game shows how social status games control human lives. These games, which have their roots in primitive survival, include the dominance game (control and fear), the virtue game (morality and goodness), and the achievement game (achievement). Social media has intensified these games, turning the brain’s reward system into an addiction to social approval. Storr warns that status games can lead to pride, humiliation, and even psychological crises. He suggests that people choose healthy games, diversify their identities, and avoid toxic games.