The expectation of being accessible all the time or dependence on phones to do simple things like know your way around the neighborhood makes it uncomfortable to go anywhere without a phone. Portable mini-computers were fun and delightful, but it was possible to step away and disconnect; arguably this separation made it that more enjoyable to enjoy reality and cyberspace. Now as I walk through New York or ride on the tube, I see bent necks and phones clutched in hands like crutches.

The growing effects of consumerism and capitalism are taking a toll, and we’ve adapted. We tune out the ads we see on billboards, websites, the sides of cars, apps, etc. because it’s second-nature to be sold to so aggressively. Everyone’s a content creator — or expected to be — and the market is heavily saturated with copycats trying to make quick bucks through shady sponsorships.

There’s so much to consume that it’s all become a big bland blended blob. I deleted Instagram to save time, and even YouTube offerings seem boring. Increasingly, users spend more time finding something to watch than watching itself, an easy example being Netflix. Media companies went from creating “good” content to “good enough” content. The second screen has become the TV, and we need background noise (e.g., Emily in Paris) while we scroll on our primary screens - our phones.

I’ve heard similarly amongst my friends, family, and coworkers that this shift in energy is palpable. I’m unsure how society will correct for this, and whether the change will be driven by individuals as it currently is or government and private organizations will step up with regulations to protect users.