The Matrix is real. In 2024 there should be no doubt about this. Think about your screen time. Your online avatar in action compared to your physical self acting in the real world. Observe the proportion for a while. Big chances are you spend more time in the digital world than within the so-called real life. That should not come as a shocker. More like a realisation of what you always knew to be true. Silently and smoothly the frameworks of the apps you use shape your perception of dreams, achievements, love, relationships, goals, everything. Still think it does not affect you? Good, because I am just starting. But first…
Our mind is influenced and shaped in many ways, not just by apps we use every day. The raw and unfiltered human experience is rich and dense. We use language as a framework for communication. And it distorts the primary source of reality we experience. How? Tell me, do you know more than one language? This is not the evaluation of your linguistic abilities. But if you do, have you ever noticed the different ways your brain works while using each of them? Some languages make you feel more relaxed, and positive, others strict and official, and some add a splendid, sometimes even groovy mood to the picture. This is because every language has a specific identity that shapes your thinking, as well as your perception of the world.
I do not watch the news any more. No video, no newspapers, no online news channels or other shape of mainstream informational content. Two, maybe three years straight by now. What has changed so far? I am much more balanced and inspired in my work. Not just work, but life in general. I have more time. Mental space as well. Only gains from this. How do I keep up with important information? Surprisingly, everything that I should know to continue my function in society finds its way to my mind anyway. All the other crap is cut. Goodbye.
But not all is perfect. I still use Meta services. Facebook and Instagram in particular. However, I massively reduced the time spent there. Now that I observe it from a distance, the effects of using these apps on my mind and perception of reality are apparent. These apps shape the framework of our communication with each other. Remember Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs? Yes, the pyramid. At the bottom, there are physical ones: breathing, food, water, shelter, clothing, and sleep. Most of us are ok out in this department. Go up and you will find health, employment, connection, intimacy, friendship, also status, confidence and achievement. Pause for a while. Using the latter apps influences this exact part. It keeps us at this level. We are trying to make more ads (employment), get more likes (status), DM someone (connection, friendship, intimacy) and show that we do well and live great lives (achievement, confidence). We compete for all of this. For these apps, the pyramid stops here. But most people feel that something is missing. They want to go up.
Creativity, spontaneity, purpose, meaning and inner potential. That’s the peak of the pyramid. The strongest expression of these happens in real unconstrained human interactions. With yourself and others. One of the rare digital places, that is different and allows us to satisfy Maslow’s cherry on top is here. Most of us on Substack notice it. Hanging out in this place allows our mind to operate in the most connected and unconstrained context. I do believe that all of this is by design.
Informational fields can be shaped by the country you live in, the corporate culture you work in, and the group of friends that share the same ideas. In a nutshell, it is your environment. Both physical and mental. It is a tough quest to become aware of your surroundings and develop the ability to observe and analyse them. It is even harder to leave. And to adapt yourself to new environments. But breaking out from Plato’s cave was never easy. Even the mighty wise Greeks struggled.
Eventually, it all comes down to a choice. Yes, all in your hands. In fact, choice is the only thing that is within our control. While becoming aware of the informational fields that shape our thinking, we get to choose what is best for us. I know, reality is a wicked thing. Sure, there is an objective side, but way more is what we make of it. Once you become aware of this personal input, there is an opportunity to stay where you are or go where you really belong. To leave the cave, or stay in it. Eventually, it all comes down to a choice.
Ok. Subscribing…I loved reading this and resonate with it. No TV for me either and Substack is amazing for a sense of community!
Hi Tomas. All wise and true words..
Have you had a chance to view sarah Wilson's work