I’m old enough to remember a time without the internet. I remember the boredom that led to endless channel surfing (well, we didn’t have that many channels, but still).
Summers were especially hard for school-aged kids. Your favorite shows were all reruns (that’s what networks did back in the day), and VHS cassettes were the 80s/90s version of “on-demand” programming.
I had a thirst for anything high-tech. Video games were a great way to pass the time, whether at the arcade or my home Nintendo console. But I only had so much money, and there were only so many times to play the same games.
I saw the boredom as a bad thing. I wanted something, anything, to keep me occupied. I think Green Day’s classic “Longview” video sums up the feeling.
Not All Activities Cure Boredom
These days, the supposed cure for boredom is in everyone’s hands. Our phones provide endless opportunities to consume and interact (not always with humans).
These devices can take us anywhere. We can shop, chat with friends, watch/listen/read virtually anything we want. It would be amazing if not for the toll it takes on our mental health.
I’m afraid to count the number of times I reach for my phone, particularly at night. Yes, even after cutting back on social media. I try to put that sucker down, only to pick it up a minute later. I don’t even know why I’m doing so most of the time.
I look at the same handful of websites and check the same apps. I check my Dexcom app to get my latest blood sugar reading, but do I really need to know that every few minutes?
I also watch as family members feverishly scroll and tap their way through the evening. It’s literally a race to nowhere.
Perhaps we are occupied, our brains buzzing on tiny hits of dopamine. But are we less bored?
The Societal Side Effects
This moment in American politics is, in my view, the worst I’ve ever witnessed. And I couldn’t imagine what we’re seeing now happening in the pre-internet days. Not here, at least.
I’m no sociologist (no kidding). However, I can’t help but think about the impact created by an always-on culture.
People are tethered to their phones and hooked on social media. Some platforms use algorithms meant to keep our attention at all costs. They’ve also been known as a vehicle for spreading misinformation.
Put it all together, and what do we have? A recipe for an angry and toxic environment.
For me, it’s led to feeling both anger and helplessness. As in, what can I possibly do to make this situation better? It’s enough to make me want to hide my head under the covers for the next few years.
Beyond my personal struggle, I think this vicious cycle makes it harder for us to have productive conversations. Every hot take and insult adds fuel to the inferno.
How do we find common ground when we’re fed vastly different realities? People are getting rich from creating their own “facts” and tearing us apart while doing so.
I’ve spoken to family members who not only have a different view of what’s going on (fair enough), but they also have a completely false narrative of what’s happening. It goes to show why propaganda has been such a powerful force.
Can We Reclaim Some Space for Sanity?
This whole situation is frustrating and exhausting. I wish I had the answers. All I know for sure is that our current practices aren’t going to help us dig out of this hole.
If I can wish for anything, it’s that we look at the world with our own eyes. We must stop trusting corporate media (social included) and those dedicated to a singular narrative. They favor power and profits over integrity.
Disagreement will always be a part of a healthy society. But there’s a difference between blind anger and taking the time to figure out what’s going on. Digging deeper could also be a way to tap into our humanity.
Maybe seeing each other as humans and not sworn enemies could help us move forward while reducing the collective mental burden we’re facing.
I want to be bored again. I think that’s a good thing!
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