Toxic: (Re-work A)
Serious reflections are sometimes warranted.
Toxic?
A word oft used to describe males and masculinity!
Although there are reasons for that term,the progressives' viewpoint is too loose and unwarranted, for such a strong and wide -ranging term. Such a term is oft used for men being men, while women are treated as though they are not similarly flawed. The world appears to admire (some ) women as though they are super human.
However the word has been debated, written about and applied to a difficult- to- be- negative about yet pervasive tool.
Our "digital" world seems (too) unrealistic to be real. IRL once meant " in real life."
But for many the IDW (in Digital world ) is "real" enough that it replaces the real world? The world we actually breathe,sleep,work, reproduce and eat in. The real world populated with species from all over, to Man over all.
How is the IDW ( replacement world) a real world? It would seem that to those users who deem this ubiquitous tool essential to each and every life - journey.?? IF this claim is to be believed then it is in accordance with the importance,utility and relevance of their shared reality?
This environment of the IDW is thoroughly special to the Millennials and Gen Z. In Western nations; Mobiles are as necessary as food and water. Life would be much, much harder without them. The world has billions of them. Many own two mobiles.
Gen Z is especially hooked to the IDW( in digital world ) which is fostered by smart mobiles. This addiction has consequences for the shared reality that our real world creates.
Why ? The outcome ( of this Digital World ) makes it more difficult for real relationships to form in the real world. Least of which, the element of conversation with real people who are physically present so that not just audio but the whole range of subtle cues, bodily and otherwise are available for scrutiny and interaction.
Social media creates faux relationships with smart mobiles mediating "perfect moments" and filtered images or perfected photographs for inevitable comparisons, while people remain fully disconnected from more meaningful relationships.
Customs,norms and core values have altered significantly with Gen Z.
In some surveys, its been observed that Gen Z has minimalised some of the values of their parents. For some, there are individuals whose lives are eccentric,vastly and culturally different to their fellow Gen Z members. These "unusual" individuals are like strangers in a strange land. So they live but are treated by many who label them as "toxic individuals "
It's a sad state of affairs that new ( and older) relationships that are too "difficult to maintain," therefore labelled as toxic. Approximately 50 % of Gen Z have this disturbing mentality. Such "toxicity" is "too much" for the younger generation Z, so for them, about 50 % of their relationships could be cancelled or annulled. Absurdly awkward for someone who is an individual living in the digital-- and the Real world.
Good, meaningful relationships are like strong, tall trees, the slower but more worthwhile growth means nurturing and maturing people over a longer period of time. Not resorting to a "quick fix, " just because of uncomfortable, alien notions,ideas and differing values. It means more patience,listening and forgiveness needs to be applied.
In the long game, it means greater honest interaction, trustworthiness and valid cross- pollination of ideas, values and life.
Cultural and sociopolitical exchange takes time, unlike instant coffee. Like good tea or coffee, better comes with effort,time and quality of re/sources. Who doesn't like barista coffee or steeped hot tea?
( by Digital Anvil )