It’s been in the news a lot lately, and footage of Mark Zuckerberg schooling the US Congress doing the rounds has provided me with much entertainment. The digital age and the art of information collection. Have we let it go too far?
So, with the growing voices of concern it’s time to think about how we view our relationship with Big Brother. Is he a guardian angel who has helped usher us into a new age?… or is he more like the weird uncle at the dinner table – you wish you could get rid of him but he’s part of your life.
Pros – The Angel:
The virtues of living in a digital age are well known and often extolled by those who seek to be the providers of services to us. A digital age where information, knowledge, ideas and discussions are readily available to the masses gives us:
- Convenience
- Safety
- Flexibility
- Efficiency
- Connection
- Belonging
- Powerful knowledge
- Tools
Undoubtedly these factors have changed the way we think and operate.
Beyond the obvious changes, like how we communicate, the digital age is also influencing our evolution. As we need to carry less knowledge around with us the way our brains use their capacity has changed – prioritising thought and creativity over retention of knowledge. It seems our brains are becoming smaller but more efficient and powerful (much like the latest phones to hit the market) as less resources need to be devoted to remembering stuff. (See ‘Discover’ article regarding brain size HERE)
Most (although notably not all) would argue the advances in digital technology have (on balance) had a positive effect on humankind. But is the pendulum starting to swing the other way?
Cons – The Uncle:
As with anything positive there is a price to pay. Risks and concerns regularly discussed across all media platforms are often based on the following drawbacks:
- Loss of privacy
- Loss of control
That’s it. Genuinely. If you think of any argument made against living in a digital world it boils down to these two things.
Cybercriminals? Loss of control ✓
Data breach? Loss of privacy✓ and then loss of control over the data ✓
Stored information loss? Lack of control ✓
Social media? Privacy Control ✓
Unwanted attention? Lack of control ✓
Skewing of reality? Control ✓
Let’s face it. When Big Brother goes awry… it can go REALLY awry!
The question we need to ask ourselves is whether these two things (and the negative impacts that come with them) outweigh the good. Is it worth it?
Alternatives:
Some would argue that there is no going back. We’re stuck with where we are and turning back the clock would be akin to de-evolving. So, what are the alternatives?
Going off the grid
Although ‘off the grid’ may have connotations for ‘going Bear Grylls’ – which is not appealing to most on a sustained basis – there are examples around the world of those who have no contact with technology. Either by chance (location and local development) or by choice (those who choose to live remotely) the truth is that if you want to go off the grid you will be cutting contact with the outside world.
It’s impossible not to stay informed and be able to comment without ‘existing’ in the modern world. Barring physical media like newspapers, books and letters – all non face-to-face communication now requires a digital connection.
It’s also impossible to have a bank account without having a digital footprint. As our society becomes more cashless is becomes harder for us to store our wealth in physical assets.
Limiting usage
They walk amongst us. Those who appear to be part of ‘normal’ society but choose to limit or eliminate aspects of digital connection. Many of these people are those who view social media with scepticism – either not buying into the ‘life commentary’ element of the platforms or object to their information being shared and viewed by those they don’t directly condone. Loss of privacy. Loss of control
Options to ‘filter’ how you connect to the world include:
- No tv
- No social media accounts
- No internet connection
- No mobile phone
Whether you do some or all of the above you are deliberately choosing to limit the influence and impact Big Brother has on your life.
I’m sitting on the fence on this…
As a businesswoman and very social person I cannot imagine my life (or any sort of normal version of it) without being totally immersed in the digital age. Clients, contacts, marketing strategy, supplier relationships and even my kids’ school are enabled by a web of digital connections from websites to emails. From a smart phone to my calendar. Running my life as it currently is would be impossible.
However as someone who sometimes gets tired of the constant pressure and fast pace that this world offers, I have wistful longings for living a much simpler life… not quite little house on the prairie but one where ‘being present’ was prioritised over ‘being visible’. Where outside pressure has less of an impact
For now, my family and I are striking a balance. We’ve downsized our lives and moved out of the city to the beach – where life is simpler, community is important and people are genuine. I am still very connected and therefore aware Big Brother is watching – but spending more time connecting to the physical world and people around me means my life is in sharper focus, less stressed and much more fulfilling.