For a long time now, my web activity has been restricted to email, social media sites and the occasional news check. The internet is great. It connects people and makes our life easier in many ways.
However I wonder if the benefits really outweigh the cost. My email is overflowing with spam that I have no clue how to contain. Facebook and twitter are overrun with sponsored and recommended posts. I google something and ads follow me wherever I go. I waste hours watching mindless videos and memes. When I post something, I watch anxiously till I see a few likes and comments. Imagine how ridiculous we would find this if it wasn't in just bits and bytes on the screen but had a physical presence?
There is probably some phrase researchers have to define this state. I wouldn't know - I haven't read anything meaningful for a long time. My attention span is low and I do not retain much of what I read or see. I skim instead of savor. Direct interactions and conversations with people has become more difficult. There is just so much of content overload and I've let it all wash over me without thinking about the impact on my mind and behavior.
There is good content out there - meaningful stuff that actually adds value to me. But maybe this content isn't as in the face as the meaningless chaff that floats around.
Now I wonder how I can get out of this mess without losing the wonderful benefits of this connected life. Where do I begin?
However I wonder if the benefits really outweigh the cost. My email is overflowing with spam that I have no clue how to contain. Facebook and twitter are overrun with sponsored and recommended posts. I google something and ads follow me wherever I go. I waste hours watching mindless videos and memes. When I post something, I watch anxiously till I see a few likes and comments. Imagine how ridiculous we would find this if it wasn't in just bits and bytes on the screen but had a physical presence?
There is probably some phrase researchers have to define this state. I wouldn't know - I haven't read anything meaningful for a long time. My attention span is low and I do not retain much of what I read or see. I skim instead of savor. Direct interactions and conversations with people has become more difficult. There is just so much of content overload and I've let it all wash over me without thinking about the impact on my mind and behavior.
There is good content out there - meaningful stuff that actually adds value to me. But maybe this content isn't as in the face as the meaningless chaff that floats around.
Now I wonder how I can get out of this mess without losing the wonderful benefits of this connected life. Where do I begin?
1 comment:
Where does one begin - well, right where you started imo.
a. Begin to write, like you've already done.
b. Cherish in reading - like I see, you've begun already.
c. Treat everything with patience - reading, writing, talking, etc. Savor(or should it be savour?) every moment like you've already identified.
If you keep working on this, I am certain you'll get better. With handling emails, with dealing with people, with extracting more benefit out out of what you have called this connected life. One step at a time! :)
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