The Time Well Spent movement, is striving to help us break our dependency, and in many cases addiction to technology, in order that we can focus on the more meaningful aspects of being human. Far too many of us are living ‘virtual’ lives. We build characters, personalities and stories that project an identity out into the world, one that hides the truth about ourselves – because we fear that who we really are is not enough. So, we build an image of ourselves that we think is more acceptable to the world and strive to live up to that persona. This self-betrayal causes internal tension and stress and in many cases leads to mental ill health. Addressing this technology issue by itself will not solve our mental health issues, but it will go a long way to helping.
In this film, presented by The Center for Humane Technology, we hear a variety of perspectives and proposals with regards to setting a new agenda for the way we interface with technology, in order that we do not lose our humanity and sense of self, as we seek to find meaning in the virtual world.
There is a powerful 2 minute insert at 21 minutes and 28 seconds where young people are sharing their experience/relationship with technology and the various media platforms, providing further evidence for why a new direction is required.
“The short-term dopamine feedback loops that we have created are destroying how society works”.
Chamath Palihapitiya (ex Facbook executive)
Also see: Time well spent and The universal declaration of human rights