I’m of the belief that to solve the media (including technology) addiction crisis, stop creating so much information. Write much less, take few pictures, create fewer apps and sites and so on – only create media that is truly important.
We as humans hold deeply the false premise that more information (knowledge) is good. Until recent history that rang true, but then we started to have too much TV, gaming, computer and smartphone.
Information overload and addiction are a severe crisis. Every time we write, someone else may have to read it, furthering that person’s information overload and addiction. Often the more information we create, as we type, snap and message, the more noise drowns out the important things in life, including burying key information and facts. This is an opportunity to rethink our history and future. Perhaps creating low value information could be looked down upon, like creating pollution?
By reducing information, we increase its value and also the level of human knowledge.
This is a great opportunity is for everything that isn’t media. Instead of sending 10 messages, make a 2 minute phone call. Instead of taking a photo at the beach, go swimming. Instead of watching TV, go to yoga class. Instead of hunching over addictive pictures on a glowing rectangle, go to a gallery opening. Instead mashing your fingers on glass and plastic, go to a restaurant. Instead of creating videos, talk with a friend.
