"Clever gimmicks of mass distraction yield a cheap soulcraft of addicted and self-medicated narcissists"

This quote by Cornel West is a critique of modern society and the method it is structured. He is suggesting that the smart gimmicks of mass distraction, such as social networks, television, and other types of entertainment, are causing a low-cost soulcraft of addicted and self-medicated narcissists. He is indicating that these distractions are avoiding people from participating in meaningful activities and relationships, and rather are leading to a culture of self-absorption and addiction. He is likewise recommending that these diversions are causing an absence of meaningful connections and relationships, and rather are leading to a culture of narcissism and self-medication. He is alerting that this type of culture is damaging to individuals and society as an entire, which it is necessary to be knowledgeable about the possible consequences of these diversions.