I realized something last week while working on project for a client of mine that really freaked me the hell out.
As someone who not only works with computers all day, but knows more about them than the "average bear" (Yogi Bear reference... I'm old!), I can spot a bad program easier than I can spot bad meat.
And the first thing you need to do when you are faced with a faulty program is to stop it from corrupting your whole system! Then once you done that, you take measures to make sure your system is protected from future damage.
This makes complete and utter sense to me. It's logical. I understand this.
The reason for my analogy...
The Internet, lets just say media in general, has infiltrated our minds in a way that we have never experienced before in history.
Every day we humans are fed negative images and information. Not only every day, but every minute of every day! Are brains are bombarded with toxic news that we allow our life.
And I don't just mean the serious shit like natural disasters, North Korea, or Alt-right riots, but I'm talking even the little things:
- Someone not liking your post.
- A negative comment by someone you thought was a "friend."
- Seeing other people flaunting some new expensive car or house they just bought.
- Hearing about bad people prospering.
All of these things together after a time will chip away a piece of us a bit at a time.
Day after day we read our Twitter feeds. Facebook feeds. News feeds. We watch our CNN, MSNBC, Fox News. Minute after minute, punishing our souls with the worst, vile information posted or filmed.
And by the doing this, by allowing this, we are programming our minds to accept this garbage as our reality!
(This would be the equivalent of purposely downloading Malware into your computer every day, then wondering what's wrong with it!)
So what's the fix?
Something that I've begun to do is take charge of my what I allow into my head! Just like a computer, I've set up protocols for myself to help safeguard what gets into my system.
1. BREAK THE ADDICTION
Quitting the internet all together is unrealistic. Most of us have to work on it. And even if we didn't, I don't believe in extremes. But, I do believe in using as a tool. And like any tool that's served it's purpose, it needs to be put away when you're done with it. Same goes for TV as well. If I'm not watching something very specific, I will just turn it off. And avoid the news at all cost!
2. QUIT SOCIAL MEDIA (FOR A WHILE)
I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't anything I'm missing by not being on Facebook and Twitter! Usually after being on these platforms for more than five minutes I'm either feeling angry or upset about my life. I'm actually taking a sabbatical from SM for a long while.
(Aside from posting on STEEMIT of course!)
Ask yourself this: How satisfied are after you've been on Facebook for more than a few minutes? Are you happier? Did it contribute anything to your life?
3. Get back to living!
It's not just about stopping yourself from doing something, you need to fill that void with something that gives you a reason to get out of bed. This is the problem that most addicts have staying sober. They quit whatever they're doing, but end up going right back to it cause they haven't replaced that urge with something positive! Find something you love to do, or always wanted to do, and do it!
My point is...
We have a limited time on this big blue ball guys. And if you think about how much time we spend of that hypnotically looking at screens, it's almost scary to think how much negativity we let past our guard!
Not saying you have go run a marathon or go skydiving, but find something that's worth doing for you, clear your minds and detox your thoughts and soul!
Remember: We are not slaves to anything or anyone!
"That majestic moment in reality when you have a weird feeling that everything slows down and everything is in tune. And everybody is familiar with this instinctive anticipation bursting in a desire to be washed down to the tinniest little bit of hers or his soul." T.
I just use facebook messenger to chat with family and also use it when looking for on line sellers of stuff I need to buy. Other than that don't go thru my feeds anymore on fb for two months now. It's a waste of my time I use that time on steemit instead. Folks at the office sometimes ask "did you see the post from?" You would expect it would be negative right away. I just tell them "I don't spend time on fb anymore". I agree detox is what we need perfect place to do that is at the beach. I'll be waiting for your beach post lol.
Glad you like post! I'm working on that beach thing. Need to make that happen while it's still hot!
Yep something that takes us away from our current daily routines, most of the time turn out the best. I am following you buddy and expecting you to have fun on that post :) btw you rock!
Exceptional.
I believe you could convince Narcissus to break his gaze with such frank remonstration.
It is true, we find something we believe is good, stimulating, compelling, and without a hint of self moderation or objectivity it has soon overridden us like a heedless chariot without a driver.
Your parallel between habitual behaviour and program is excellent; human minds are plastic, rearranged and reprogrammed continuously, the strongest binds are those that are reaffirmed. This is why confirmation bias is so effective. Establish, reaffirm, reward, repeat.
But style will never satiate our need for substance, "like water for chocolate"...
There is an irresistible craving for a meaningful dialogue with others, with reality, but sadly many settle for counterfeit and traffic in semblance than risk engagement in ventures with unknown outcomes, or consequence.
The digital extension of self can overtake the real self, but like any problem behaviour can all too quickly and easily overcome, obstruct, and finally obfuscate not only the original intent prima facie but also the true origin of all things one does: the self.
You make a very positive and persuasive appeal for leading a genuine existence beyond accolade and reward. All the better that it come from personal anecdote. After all, misery may love company, but so does jubilance.
Thank you for your candor, and for Wookguitarmination, I don't know how I existed contently before the knowledge of it.
^voted& resteemed.Glad you like the post! Thank you.