Non-Bamboozled

The Internet was initially a benevolent creation—a modern byproduct of human evolution. Its initial aims seemed to be fueled by interpersonal connection and learning; both of which are noble goals. 

The news media, on the other hand, was largely crafted as a mind-control device. These creations are not the same, but their close integration can be troubling--and an apt metaphor for these times in which we’re living.

Sometimes, light and dark forces operate side by side, which is why discernment is essential. 

Discernment, however, requires focus—and focus is something we struggle with, as a result of the numerous distractions present in modern society. This is also one of the reasons why conflict resolution, intelligent debate and deep discussion have become increasingly rare—the inability to focus means our skills to follow a logical, yet complex, line of reasoning have faltered. Therefore, it’s deeply challenging to determine when a particular conclusion is superior to another, and it follows that it’s just as difficult to reach a compromise. Compromise, especially, often requires a nuanced understanding on both sides of an issue. 

Recapturing our focus from the media’s devices of manipulation—devices which include anger, desire, and fear—is imperative. 

The brain behaves much like a computer: It can only operate so many different programs at once, before the speed and efficiency of processing becomes compromised, and bogged down. Too many distractions, thoughts and impulses vying for focus = Poor concentration, which begets responding unconsciously to the conditions of our lives. 

Of course, we're more than just our brains, although they do seem to steer our ships more singularly than ever before in human history. Have you felt like your eyesight and/or mind have become cloudier lately? blurry, or opaque? When we don't use our senses, it seems they begin to atrophy. With disuse, they may eventually become obsolete, (and cease to be.) However, the simple solution is to utilize our sensing organs again, regularly, in the ways they were meant to be used: For engaging directly with the natural environment. Tasting, hearing, smelling, seeing, and touching the world around us, and one another.

Freeing our minds consists of engaging our reactionary, emotional impulses less, and using our sensory organs more, to gather information, and thus faithfully orient ourselves in the world.

9/4/24.

Suggested listening: “Toxicity” by System of a Down.

Further Reading:

 (This article discusses some workable solutions towards the end, and it also addresses how to field media/social media overload with kids & teens):

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload