Modernity. A term used to denote a period within time, such phrases have long been used to help
us conceptualise and understand human history or social changes. We are now considered in a
period of modernity but before this came terms such as postmodernity or the industrial
revolution. My thought today is, what comes next?
We seem to identify key features to benchmark through time. Such as rebellious art movements
and anti-authoritarianism as seen in postmodernity. Take the industrial revolution, for example,
in simple terms, there was an influx of new technologies and factories during the time and even
now this was considered significant and was believed to create positive opportunities. Now
however, we can see that this was not all entirely rainbows and sunshine, the conditions let’s say,
would certainly not pass the health and safety regulations, unfortunately, because of the
devastatingly young children workers within the factories as well as the harmful pollution. But
now we are in modernity, the modern society, with progressed technology, advanced medication
and higher life expectancy. Surely, life could not get any better in these modern times?
Technology can be seen to be at the forefront of judging whether countries or communities are
advanced. Technology is, no doubt, amazing and unbelievable with its abilities to educate,
connect, assist and progress society, however it is also becoming known that technology can be
the root cause of stress, addiction and unfortunately criminal behaviors. Many in my generation
and generations prior are noticing the possible negative impacts of social media and technology,
especially from what we refer to as ‘iPad kids’ where extreme tantrums, dissociation and limited
outdoor play are becoming an every-day reality.
Ironically, through social media I have viewed many are rebelling from the excessive use of
technology and processed consumption through physically removing themselves from city life
where this obsessive use of technology is overflowing. Social media and technology can be sugar
coated by the media, new products and commercialisation although we must not forget the
TikTok comas, hours of procrastination and misinformation which are all too familiar in day-to-
day living. We must not forget that to be judged on technological advancement or new gadgets
may not be as good as it sounds. To take care of your own health, mentally and physically, is
simply the only thing we should be concerned about, especially as young adults.
This writing is not exactly meant to portray itself as a ‘self-help’ piece although it does appear to
be heading in that direction. Nonetheless, no matter how much preaching is done, your mental
well-being is important. As young adults we are coming to realise the addictions we have to
social media, the news and our phones. More often or not I will have my phone on the table in
lectures, why? All its going to do is distract me and I never end up going on it anyway, but I still
find myself, without a doubt, rummaging through my bag to place my phone on that table, just
leave it in the damn bag!
We have acknowledged the poor conditions which were prevalent in the industrial revolution,
with the population more or less oblivious to the toxic smoke and pollution. We must not
become an era of pity; we must not let technology or social media be the deadly smoke to our
health. Maybe the boomers were right, it is the damn phones. Whether we set time restrictions on
our phone time, practice more ‘in the moment’ activities or simply just recognise the amount
technology is relied upon in our everyday life, we may notice a change. I believe many are
starting a movement as we speak to better ourselves as simply humans, not just eyes glaring on a
screen. So, what comes next?
Hopefully we can decide.
Image: Le Buzz Studio via Unsplash