The problem with excessive modern use of technology is that it has inflitrated our emotional core and it has become an emotional response, a way to soothe anxiety. Checking phone notifications is a comfort reflex to most people, because it stimulates our brains through providing immediate solutions and quick stimulation. It also gives us a false sense of safety, constantly being surrounded by machines that reassure us that âeverything worksâ without us having to put any effort. We literally go into a panic when electricity goes out. Machines taking over our tasks encourage us to put in less effort, habitually. On the plus side it can lead to creativity psychologically, because the laziest people offer the most creative solutions. The downside is that quick information flow does not always translate to quality of work content. As a result, we forget the truth of life, small things that make anything beautiful, meaningful and worthy and give us inner peace, and instead we look for solutions in wrong places. The amount of likes under our posts becomes more important than what we are actually saying. In time, we could end up forgetting we had anything to say in the first place. Our brain functioning changes, our focus and thinking process is impaired, which over time leads to a collective distortion in mass mentality.
Not saying we should all live in mud and forget progress and invention. I use social media myself for both work and private life, and technology and the internet gives amazing opportunities for the world to be interconnected and removing limitations. However, we need to watch ourselves to make sure it doesnât become a bad habit. If letâs say youâre in a relationship with your partner, and you really value spending time with them and enjoy their company, forget your phone and remember to actually have a decent face to face conversation with them.
This problem can get so bad, people struggle to focus on their internet conversations as well. Itâs not even about the technology itself, but about the mindset related to it. There is nothing wrong with having friends spread around the globe - itâs a wonderful opportunity that can lead to great cross culture exchanges through travel and opening oneâs mind to exposure to whatâs different from us. Itâs about the gradual loss of ability and willingness to actually focus oneâs energy enough to form a connection with the other person. This scattered thinking pattern makes us feel lost and alone, and causes anxiety and mood disorders, where we canât even figure out what is wrong anymore. The simple truth is, we just miss human interactions on all levels, from casual to most intimate.
Donât text incessantly while meeting your friends irl either. Be present in the moment. Take a picture to memorise the occasion or share it online later if you wanna, and refocus on the people you care about. Appreciate what is in front of you. Tomorrow, it might not be there.
