Narcissists like Lucas lack certain elements in their cognition and psychology that makes them unable to appreciate the fact that other people don’t experience the world the same way they do. When a narcissist is intelligent, develops talents, and/or is otherwise good looking, this is harder to detect because we are so predisposed to like and respect them, but it is still present.
Ever wonder why Lucas is constantly putting selfies of himself out there, even when they are wildly unflattering and totally counterproductive in trying to attract a woman? Because Lucas sees himself as attractive in those photos and he automatically assumes everyone else is going to see him in the very same light. He is incapable of truly understanding that every other person out there has a different perspective that can (and will) significantly depart from his own.
Most narcissists can get around this blindspot by becoming adept at manipulating people, getting others to come around to their way of seeing things through superficial charm, force of will, or simply by using the respect they’ve accrued by becoming really good at something. Again, the more intelligent, talented, and good looking you are, the easier this becomes.
Lucas on the other hand is quite stupid, too lazy to become talented in anything, and not blessed with natural good looks. Combine that with his mood disorder and you have someone who is only capable of using the crudest and most transparent forms of manipulation. This makes him less machiavellian and more reptilian: possessing a base cunning and persistent nature. Lucas isn’t a good hunter, but he is a hunter nonetheless and he is in this for the long haul.
Social media represents the only real outlet Lucas has to ply his scheme and what makes it irresistible to him is the fact it allows him to reach the most amount of people with the least amount of effort. Lucas has suffered numerous consequences when he gets in close proximity of his intended prey; banned from bars and shelters, police called on him, attention from media organizations, physical threats of violence, etc, etc. Social media allows him to express himself fully while simultaneously offering certain protections.
Make no mistake, Lucas thinks the image macros and rambling videos is quality performance art and that women who see it will find it compelling. All of it is done with the expectation that he will be contacted by a young woman, this is why he will always be a potential victim for catfishing.
If Lucas didn’t use social media, he’d probably already be incarcerated somewhere (or dead). He can’t really exist in spaces that give him access to victims because giant reeking derelicts with eccentric mannerisms and hungry eyes are exactly the type of people everyone notices and keeps track of. He’d only be left to his own devices in places like hospitals, shelters, and assisted living facilities. His only outlet and the only feasible route to what he wants is social media.
