When I first came across the cover of Sakaya Murata’s acclaimed novel, “Convenience Store Woman,” I never anticipated the existential dread it would bring me. As an avid reader, my TikTok algorithm brings me waves of “BookTok” recommendations that teenage audiences like me would likely resonate with. Yet after reading Murata’s work, I found a rewarding sense of irony in the essence of Murata’s message to readers and the fact that an algorithm recommended it to me.
“Convenience Store Woman” offers a poignant insight into the world of a young woman, Keiko, who finds solace in the routine and structure of her job at a convenience store. While the book delves deeply into Keiko’s psyche, it also offers deep insights into societal norms and Gen-Z’s interactions with a world driven by capitalistic pursuits.
In the book, Keiko is depicted as an outcast of society. She is shown as an “abnormal,” isolated human who is incapable of being understood by even the closest people in her life. Yet, through her job at a convenience store, she finds the sense of belonging she always lacked growing up due to standing out. To me, the act of Keiko finding belonging in a convenience store, a place that is inherently monotonous by nature and always stays “the same, parallels the idea of teenagers today turning to social media algorithms to feel a sense of inclusivity.
Regardless of whether one is a child predator or a good samaritan, social media algorithms create feeds for users in the same manner. To expand, algorithms on these platforms create echo chambers tailored to individual preferences, serving content that reinforces existing beliefs, preferences, and interests. So whether or not two people have separate interests, the algorithm will have the same formulaic approach to bringing content to users. I found this pattern similar to Keiko’s world within the convenience store, as similar to algorithms, her job offered a curated sense of familiarity and routine.
Furthermore, just as Keiko navigates societal expectations and struggles with being perceived as an “abnormal” outcast, young people today face similar challenges in fitting into societal molds. The pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty, success, and behavior often leads to feelings of isolation and alienation. In response, many teenagers turn to social media, seeking validation in virtual communities that embrace their uniqueness.
Despite this, much like the facade of Keiko’s contentment within the convenience store, the perceived sense of belonging through social media can be deceiving. While these platforms offer a sense of connection and community, they can also perpetuate superficial relationships and unrealistic standards, leaving individuals feeling more isolated or inadequate.
Keiko’s story prompts reflection on the dangers of seeking validation and belonging in spaces—whether physical or digital—that offer a false sense of security. The novel challenged me to reconsider where we derive our sense of identity and belonging, urging me to seek genuine connections and acceptance beyond the confines of curated online spaces.
Ultimately, Keiko’s journey highlights the importance of finding authentic connections and acceptance in a world that often pressures individuals to conform. It encourages readers to seek genuine relationships and spaces that allow individuals to embrace their individuality, rather than seeking validation in places that offer a semblance of belonging but lack depth and authenticity.
