“Original Thought in a Digital and “Social” World”

In a society often bombarded with visual stimuli, whether it is cell phones, laptops, televisions, social media, music or any other form of digital entertainment, it is easy to become engrossed in all of the above. Being part of a generation that has grown up with such means at our fingertips 24 hours a day 7 days a week it is clearly evident how easily many become attached to their devices. In my opinion social and other digital media have created a superficial reality that pressures us to need to know everything about everyone on a real-time basis. Regardless of the quality of the endless abyss of content being published, the social forces of our society often categorize it as important.

I have witnessed countless times the risks associated with an endless desire to be plugged into the “action” all the time. Having endless “information” at our disposal on a real-time basis can make it easy to feel as though we “need” to always be “connected.” Once we get bored with exploring the vast amount of information on the web, social media the television or our cell phone is always waiting to provide our next buzz.

In conjunction to a digital reality most of us (although not nearly as many) have full-time job responsibilities as well. Between working 8-10 hours a day and constantly checking up on the “information” through our phone, the web, social media, checking e-mail and watching television, it is easy to lose sight of finding time for anything else. An ordinary day can easily become one of a constant digital reality.

The value in such of a lifestyle can certainly be held for debate as to whether or not it is a healthy form a genuine reality or not. The issue I see with the “average day” mentioned above is the lack of room for original and creative thought. It may be a cynical opinion of mine; however I’d argue the previously mentioned daily routine will not bring much depth. 

As we become accustomed to always being connected and stimulated every waking moment, our conversations and interactions can easily become a mere reflection of the virtual reality we are always connected to. I’d argue it is important realize the risk of such realities and find an outlet for original expression; expression beyond that which we are told to “think” about. In my opinion, living a daily life of merely observing and reacting to externally generated content can be a vicious and shallow experience. Whether it is conscious or subconscious, the “pressures” of the previously mentioned activities can easily cast a shadow on the potential for originality in my opinion.

Rather than being a passive observer of the least common denominator of poor quality externally published content, actively engaging in original, creative thought can account for significant value in my opinion. Avoid being a mere reflection of the aforementioned virtual reality. Use the influx of readily available information to enhance your learning curve, rather than accept what others would like you to “learn” and “think.”