Meaning of "#Addicted" by Riverside

The song "Addicted" delves into the themes of love, validation, and the loss of personal identity in the digital age. The speaker conveys their addictive desire for love, seeking it not only from others but also from their own aimless drive. This addiction to love can be interpreted in two ways: a genuine longing for deep connections and a craving for external validation. Through constantly hashtagging themselves and seeking recognition, the speaker reveals their desperation to be noticed and validated by others.

The mention of wearing a mask reflects the speaker's need to hide their true self in the crowd. In a world where everyone can be found and everything is searchable, the fear of being exposed or misunderstood pushes the speaker to adopt this protective mask. By doing so, they sacrifice their authenticity and individuality, further deepening their sense of disconnection. The loss of calmness in this searchable world suggests a restlessness and unease that stems from a lack of privacy, constant scrutiny, and the need for constant validation.

The repetition of the phrase "dreaming inside out, feeling inside out" emphasizes the speaker's fragmented and disjointed sense of self. In the digital age, where people often share only the highlight reels of their lives, the speaker feels like they are trapped in a constant state of performance. They struggle to distinguish between their true desires and the external expectations imposed on them.

Ultimately, the lyrics depict a person who is addicted to the digital world and the shallow connections it offers. They long for love and validation but find themselves lost and disconnected, unable to form genuine relationships or maintain a sense of self. The song serves as a critique of the hyperconnected society we live in, highlighting the potential dangers and emptiness that can result from seeking validation through superficial means.