This Dilemma We Are In

Today I appreciate reminders to be grateful, and how that gratefulness can soften the edges of loss and discouragement.

I am also grateful for the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma."  It is disturbing and fascinating and even two weeks after watching it, I continue to absorb and consider what it had to say. It captures a true and growing concern. 

Throughout most of human history, technological advances have been seen as positives and allowed us to be safer, healthier, and have more leisure time. Something has shifted significantly in the last twenty years, and technology, particularly the advent of social media, is no longer our friend. 

In fact, it is more an enemy to our health and a time-suck for our leisure time, which also impacts our overall well-being. It is especially harmful to our youth, and a direct contributor to mental illness, body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety and more. 

There are many notable tech experts, most who formerly worked for places like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, who are interviewed in the film.  They are brilliant minds who saw their own creativity take a turn for the worse. They now work at places with names like "The Center for Humane Technology."  

One of the founders of the Center for Humane Technology is Tristan Harris, former design ethicist at Google. Here is a YouTube video of his recent interview on "Ellen." 

It captures some of what is in the documentary, but I encourage you to watch "The Social Dilemma" if you are able. 

There is so much that unsettles me about this, but the fake news explosion and the increased polarization happening probably bothers me the most.  It is playing out in dangerous ways during this pandemic and as we live through the growing social unrest and an election year.

Grateful?  Yes. Because I saw this and can rethink my own approach to social media, and help others of all ages consider the same. Grateful because I believe love and compassion will still save us. 

Where will you start?