The Digital Abyss
Netflix. Reddit. Facebook. CNN. Are these distractions from a full life or a replacement for one? The endless cycle of tabs and refreshes rewards your brain’s pleasure center like a quick hit of Prozac. But at what cost, and how do you escape when you’re caught in the endless loop?
These services extract our souls in exchange for a break from the pain and suffering of real life. Whereas ten years ago your choices of distraction were limited to ad-filled re-runs on network TV, today you can custom fit your entertainment for maximum serotonin across your devices.
The hours add up, and, before you know it you haven’t talked to a human all day. Sure, you liked ten of Suzie’s wedding pictures and angry liked John’s post about Trump, but it’s a poor substitute for real life. Besides, you can’t even think about seeing another human, it would be so inconvenient. All you want is one more episode, one more Instagram photo of someone’s exotic vacation who you barely even like. Take me away, internet.
If only you could live it big like the people you watch: party with sports stars like the Rock in Ballers, or take over the world with your dragons like Daenerys Targaryen. Of course, that’s a life of fantasy, you’d accept just living your friend’s perfect online lives. Instead, you’ll just keep at it: swipe, like, play.
Poof. Snap, back to reality. It’s 1 AM, you’re in your room with a neck cramp, hunched over with your warm laptop on your legs and your battery at 5%. Those things you were meant to get done, they’ll happen tomorrow, no big deal. Who cares if you haven’t talked to your brother in months? At least you know how Saul Goodman came to be! At least you’re caught up in the endless 24-hour news cycle, you can recite what all your Facebook friends are up to, and you’ve seen every series from Big Little Lies to 13 Reasons Why.
Your daughter wanted to play but the red “play” button won. Plus you’re tired from work anyway, it’s just so much easier this way. One little episode won’t hurt anyone, right? Did I say one? I meant two, no, wait, I meant ten. Oh shit, now it’s her bedtime.
- “Honey, turn off your computer. That’s enough Animal Jam for today!”
- “But Dad, I thought we were going to play.”
- “It’s too late now dear… But don’t worry, there’s always tomorrow.”
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