OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS of quiet reflection, I have listened, I have observed and I have mulled over the changing face of our society.
From political posturing, to gun-related violence, the deleterious effects of non-communicable diseases, youth disengagement to the implications of Brexit, it appears that our thirst for being in the know has amplified an insatiable appetite for information.
I am beginning to wonder though if having access to too much information is probably worse than having too little.
It seems to me that in this age of information “bombardment” (accessibility), our brains are finding it particularly difficult to sieve through, process and prioritise what really matters, and perhaps what should rightly be labelled as ambient chatter.
I join with those who claimthat having a good face-to-face conversation is more soothing than the superficiality of social media discourse, but I am certain that WhatsApp and Facebook will win out, given the dynamics of our modern world.
The reality of this global information revolution compels me to ask whether or not our continuous access to information is actually dulling our sensibility and appreciation of the true meaning and essence of life. Is the constant exposure transforming our ability to feel and to be compassionate?
Self-centredness
Are we changing into synthetic humanoids with self-centredness and greed programmed as prime directives? Maybe, maybe not, but how do we know for sure?
I suggest that we take a few moments each day and turn off the Wi-Fi or the data plan. Take time to watch a sunset or a sunrise; take time to have a good conversation with a loved one or friend; take time to admire the sky, the trees, the water and I promise you that the incoherent noise that appears to be clouding our perceptibility will reduce to the extent that we will start thinking more clearly and with more consideration for that which should matter the most.
Who knows? Perhaps we may also start working in unison to implement the appropriate solutions to the societal challenges that we now face.
– SEAN ST CLAIR FIELDS
