Why the 21st Century Makes Us Miserable
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Well, let's face it. Aside from the obvious current events we're not exactly the happiest bunch of people. And if you are, then kudos you've succeeded what a lot of us are still trying to work toward.
Now I'm young and all, but at the end of the day I find myself kind of miserable and lonely. I have this sense of inadequacy always haunting me, and I always feel like everything I do isn't good enough. Now in reality, none of us should really feel that way (unless you're a complete jerk and absolutely no intention of being a decent human being or helping to further the potential of our lives on this planet) because we're all worth something, even if we're not Bill Gates and making a thousand dollars. At the end of the day we all have the ability to impact someone's life and make a difference and no matter how small that difference is, it is still worth something.
Admittedly, I feel lonely and yes I have my family around, but what I'm lacking is a chance to physically mingle with friends. Hell strangers (who aren't perverts) always put a smile on my face when they talk to me because the immediate reaction in my head is "Oh my gosh, person talking? To me? We're talking!". And it's the most amazing thing in the world because I spend most of my time in front of my computer talking to my friends and it's just a meager attempt at a conversation.
Spending so much time on the internet has made me, in reality so much insecure because whenever I read something someone is saying online I always question sincereity or geniuity, and I bring that to my every day life when I should just be able to read through people's body languages. But maybe that's why I've started to treasure physical interactions because there's so much more emotion behind a smile or sparkling eyes or a tight hug. And frankly, by spending our days on the internet, we just don't get enough of that.
I've realized that working at my office that after spending an extensive amount of time in front of a computer, that there is absolutely no satisfaction in doing nothing on the internet and yet I am always compelled to it. It severes my ability to communicate in the real world, and then my job itself doesn't help because as the article says working in an office behind a computer gives no real satisfaction. By this time I know that every thank you and show of gratitude is well rehearsed and completely fake so I always feel so worthless and hate my job because no one ever geniuinely thanks me. Sure I get it every now and then, but it's so much different when I can actually produce something and watch other people admire it, because at least I know it's appreciated.
And in the end I think we lack a whole lot of appreciation in our lives.
Anyway, that's my two cents, I just thought it was thought provoking and hope it stirs up some thoughts or feelings within all of you.
Read the article here.
- 1315 reads
what a good article...i completely see the points the author is making.
someone i know was always constantly teasing me about how much time i like to spend online...which isn't actually true. i spend most of the work day logged on but i'm also working...i'm usually logged on all nite but it doesn't necessarily mean i'm actually in front of my computer. if i'm out, yes i check on the site via my phone. so perhaps i do spend more time than i think but it's not an obsession. i agree with the ease of having friends online vs in real life. but i do have my real life friends and i enjoy bringing the closer friendships i've made online into my real life. for instance, critterkeeper. she became a great friend via another site and it was awesome when i got to meet her in real life. i kinda see this medium as a possible way of making real friends because of that. not because i'm lacking in the friends department in my reality but just cause it's always nice to make a new friend.
do i get lonely? yes. often. i'd like someone to spend my days with. but i have friends i can see when i do feel that way and it helps. and yeah, sometimes it helps to chat with a friend online too. but i think we all are lonely in one way or the other and all do need physical interactions as you stated. also, i agree with the fakeness of things. i can't stand fakeness. and there's so much of it everywhere.
i think for the most part we all have our insecurities, our desire for more than what's in front of us...you're not alone in that feeling. i think, like smartmom said, just looking for something that adds even a small sense of fulfillment to your day would be something good for your soul. it's what i'm working on finding myself right now...it might even be something that will help you feel less awkward in your interactions...perhaps a volunteer position as she does? or even just moving away from the computer and going for a long walk in a park or something. connect with nature so to speak. maybe smile at people passing by...you never know how you can impact someone's day with just a smile in their direction. it could be someone who also feels lonely and gets great joy out of a stranger smiling at them. i know, it's hard to find time in the day but sometimes we just gotta stop and smell the real roses...
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What a great read. I think alot of ppl feel the same way that you do. Everyone is so busy with their lives that they don't have time to smell the roses or to sit back and relax.
I think I'm one of the lucky ones that currently is at a happy place in my life but it wasn't always that way. Growing up I was very insecure. Now as a mom of 3 kids I see that in my kids. I think today's society is pushing so much the "you can do better" or just plain giving everyone the feeling that the guy next to him is doing better. I mean like I said I'm happy now does that mean I still wouldn't want to change some things, no I there are some areas that need improvement.
I dunno when ever I get that feeling of not feeling appreciated I volunteer for something like the Church soup kitchen, a hospital. Nothing gives you more of a boost then to help out someone who not only really needs it but totally appreciates it. Plus it gives you a chance to think how precious life is and how lucky you are. Its a great pick me up.