In Her Psyche

Ah, The Media! Too Much Literacy?

Is the media making me more stupid? Reflecting on its effects.

The concept of going online is such an amazing thing to do, especially when I think about human evolution—from having nothing and using medieval tools to navigating the modern world filled with something seemingly intangible, like technology. We have advanced far enough that access to information is easier and faster than ever, and we can post literally anything online (Hello, world!).


Yet, is the easy access to media making me more stupid?


Like many others, I am out here, posting my thoughts and feelings for the world to see. I spend hours on my phone and am exposed to so many different things online, absorbing so much information in one setting, yet nothing substantial is going into my brain. I could tell you nothing if you asked me what I had learned!


One conversation I had with a friend years ago was about the 2020 docudrama, “The Social Dilemma,” which explored the adverse effects of social media. What stood out for me was a comparison between media addiction and a Vegas slot machine. When consuming media, it often feels like we have to sift through tons of content before getting to the good ones. We unconsciously partake in an endless cycle of scrolling in hopes of something enjoyable or rewarding. Yet, does it ever come?


Amidst this sea of content, I find myself questioning the impact of it on my mind. Does the constant exposure to all this information aid my literacy, or is it just noise? It sometimes feels good to take in all this information and say, “I know that reference!” when someone mentions something related to pop culture. But more often than not, this slight dopamine does not meaningfully stimulate my brain.


Yes, it’s good to have and revel in pop culture, memes, and all the silliness on the internet. However, too much media can also be damaging. At the risk of sounding like Jaden Smith (Can We Talk About The Political And Economic State Of The World Right Now?), the silliness of the internet makes it hard to lead a fulfilling life. Moreover, all the doom scrolling, clickbait, micro-trends, sound bites, and other media jargon out there overcomplicates the already complex world.


Even after writing all this, I will still spend some time online. Cutting it out entirely isn’t feasible, so finding a good balance is the key. Being mindful about how much content we consume is important, yet it is hard to do once we get online. Perhaps just acknowledging the downsides of the internet while appreciating the positives is enough? How else can I take action to reduce my media literacy while remaining literate enough? Trying to find a good balance remains a constant effort—what a work!


Logging off,
Christina

February 12, 2024

 

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