Evil Devices
I don’t fit in today’s lifestyle. Have I passed my prime? I think not. However, there are evil devices all over the place that have been spoiling folks, including me, since 1992. These electronic gadgets have become the second worst invention in my lifetime. There is a tie for the first, either TV or social media.
The smart phone has replaced real conversations between people. It has destroyed patience and given people an exaggerated opinion of themselves and their friends. They have stymied accurate reporting and made most of us spoiled rotten.
Instant Gratification
Think about it: Instant gratification on any level. Buy something and get it quickly. An unqualified restaurant review, no problem. I can post it tomorrow and reach an unlimited number of believers. Only question is how qualified are the reviewers? Where are their qualifications shown? Find a website to support my ideas, no problem. Getting factual answers from information inquiries, non-existent as one can find “true” answers all over the place.
Growing up I was allowed only one hour a day, more time on the weekend, to watch TV. My parents were not fond of me sitting on my posterior glued to a screen that most of the time did nothing to make me think. My father especially would rather that I read books or go outside and play. Looking back, he was right.
Social Media – Love it or Hate it?
Social media is the biggest pile of garbage. A person has hundreds of “friends” – really? I was taught that a person would be very lucky if he/she were able to count their true friends on one hand when they die! Are these friends always even people you have met? Some find their value in the number of likes they can collect. It seems to me this culture, if you want to call it that, is just a way to define my popularity and influence on social media. This is what makes people happy, really?
OK, I admit not all social media is awful. YouTube has how-to learning videos that have saved my bacon more than once.
Noticing our Differences
There is more to life than just being happy and having commonality with others. I believe that noticing the differences and various experiences of others can make an individual stronger and more self-assured. One should never be overly concerned with what other people think. However, many people today patently desire approval from all. This is a sad statement about humanity and the strength of the individual.
Don’t get me wrong, individuals should be strong and sure of themselves. However, the strong self-assured person should be courteous and kind to others. Only bullies and narcissists take pleasure when stepping on people to get what they want.
So evil things, whether the TV, social media or the smart phone, came into our lives with the intention of making things better. They have made some things easier, but easier is a double-edged sword that leads to selfishness and laziness. Both of which can be full of evil side-effects.
