Advancing backwards

Seems that wherever you go these days, everyone is glued to their phone. I admit it, I've become dependent on my phone myself. Often, I'm so fixated on my device that I forget there is a whole world around me.

And this is perhaps the greatest paradox of all: The more we advance technologically, the more we seem to go backwards socially.

The human race is advancing so quickly that we never get a chance to stop and ask:

Advancing toward... what?

Despite technological advances promising greater connection and efficiency, we’re busier and more disconnected than ever. Our dependency on gadgets for entertainment and connection has further increased the feeling of boredom and loneliness.

As a society we spend more time, more energy, and more money in the quest for happiness, but happiness levels in the western world keep declining. One study I recently read estimates that more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of close to 20% compared to the previous decade.

The story of technological advancements failing to translate into more joy and connection is perhaps the story of the 21st Century.

This, of course, is not going to stop. We have to be honest with ourselves. Technological advancements are not going to cease any time soon. After all, I’m writing this on Facebook using both my laptop and smartphone.

Perhaps the only way forward is to recognize we are advancing backwards socially and start turning off our phones for a bit.

Just for a bit 🙂

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Tal Gur is an impact-driven entrepreneur, author, and investor. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living - 1 Man, 10 Years, 100 Life Goals Around the World, has led him to found Elevate Society and other impact-driven ventures.