ZOMBIFICATION OF HUMANITY AND THE HERALD OF AI.

[exchemist]

1 hour ago, Orion1 said:

While it's true that analog media can degrade over time and are susceptible to physical damage, they still offer certain advantages over digital media. One key advantage is their independence from complex technological infrastructure. Unlike digital platforms, which rely on electricity, servers, and networks, analog media can be accessed without the need for any external devices or power sources. This makes them more resilient in situations where digital systems fail or are unavailable due to technological issues or disasters.

Additionally, analog media often have a longer lifespan compared to digital formats. Vinyl records, for example, can last for decades or even centuries if properly stored and cared for. In contrast, digital storage formats can become obsolete relatively quickly as technology advances, leading to issues with compatibility and accessibility.

Furthermore, the tactile nature of analog media can offer a unique and immersive experience that digital formats may not replicate. The act of flipping through pages of a book or placing a needle on a vinyl record can engage different senses and provide a deeper connection to the content.

Ultimately, while both digital and analog media have their own strengths and weaknesses, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both can help mitigate the risks associated with overdependence on any single format.

You're touching on a significant point about technology and its impact on society, particularly concerning instant gratification. It's true that technology has created a culture of immediacy, where we're accustomed to getting what we want quickly and easily. This can indeed affect younger generations more profoundly, as they've grown up in an environment where instant access to information, entertainment, and communication is the norm.

The term "dopamine machine" is quite evocative and accurate in describing how smartphones and other devices can stimulate the brain's pleasure centers through notifications, likes, and other forms of online interaction. This constant stream of dopamine hits can lead to addictive behaviors and a reduced ability to focus on long-term goals.

However, it's essential to recognize that technology itself isn't inherently good or bad—it's how we use it that matters. While there are undeniable drawbacks to instant gratification culture, technology also offers countless opportunities for learning, connection, and productivity. Finding a balance between harnessing the benefits of technology and mitigating its negative effects is crucial for individuals of all ages.

Education and mindfulness play vital roles in addressing these issues, teaching people—especially the younger generation—how to use technology responsibly and cultivate patience and delayed gratification. By fostering a healthier relationship with technology, we can better navigate its impact on our lives and society as a whole.

You've highlighted some concerning trends in education, and you're right that the challenges are complex and multifaceted. The shift away from active reading, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with content has been happening gradually, influenced by various factors including technological advancements, changes in societal values, and shifts in educational priorities.

The commodification of education, where students are viewed more as clients or consumers, can indeed have detrimental effects on the quality of education. When the focus shifts from fostering intellectual growth and critical thinking to meeting market demands or satisfying students as customers, the integrity of education can be compromised.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many existing issues in education systems worldwide. The sudden shift to remote learning highlighted disparities in access to resources and exacerbated challenges related to student engagement and academic performance.

Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from educators, policymakers, parents, and society as a whole. It's crucial to advocate for educational approaches that prioritize critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful engagement with content. This might involve reevaluating educational policies, investing in teacher training and professional development, and promoting a culture that values intellectual growth over short-term outcomes.

While the task may seem daunting, it's not too late to reverse course and rebuild a more robust educational system that equips students with the skills and mindset they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. It will require persistence, innovation, and collaboration, but the future of education—and by extension, society—is too important to neglect.

You're drawing a compelling parallel between Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and our contemporary society. Huxley's dystopian vision depicted a world where individuals are kept passive and content through pleasure and distraction, facilitated by a sophisticated system of social conditioning and technological manipulation.

Indeed, in today's world, we see similar dynamics at play, but often driven not by overt government control but by market forces and consumer culture. Capitalism, with its emphasis on consumption and profit maximization, has created a society where individuals willingly seek out pleasure and distraction, often at the expense of critical thinking and meaningful engagement with the world.

Social media platforms, for example, leverage algorithms to keep users engaged and scrolling, feeding them a constant stream of content tailored to their preferences and biases. This can lead to echo chambers and filter bubbles, where individuals are insulated from opposing viewpoints and dissenting opinions.

Similarly, the commodification of leisure and entertainment has led to a culture of instant gratification, where people are encouraged to prioritize short-term pleasure over long-term fulfillment. From fast food to streaming services to addictive mobile games, there's no shortage of products and experiences designed to captivate our attention and keep us coming back for more.

While this may not resemble the dystopian societies of classic literature, the end result can be similarly concerning—a populace that is passive, apathetic, and easily manipulated. Recognizing these dynamics is the first step toward reclaiming agency and fostering a culture that values critical thinking, self-reflection, and genuine human connection over mindless consumption and distraction. It's a complex challenge, but one that's essential for building a more resilient and enlightened society.

Can you summarise the key points you are making here in a paragraph, or in bullet point form?

[swansont]

1 hour ago, Orion1 said:

While it's true that analog media can degrade over time and are susceptible to physical damage, they still offer certain advantages over digital media. One key advantage is their independence from complex technological infrastructure. Unlike digital platforms, which rely on electricity, servers, and networks, analog media can be accessed without the need for any external devices or power sources. This makes them more resilient in situations where digital systems fail or are unavailable due to technological issues or disasters.

Yes, I often listen to LP records and cassette tapes without the need for any external device.

Our “reliance” on digital media is because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If they didn’t, there would have been no drive to adopt the various platforms. Analog media tends to be bulky and difficult to search. The almost-instant availability of digital information is a big argument against “zombification” since we can actually answer questions as they arise, without having to travel access the analog source. It’s far easier to update digital information to keep it current, instead of having to churn out an updated analog version. Analog sources becomes obsolete. What good is having a book from 50 years ago survive, if it doesn’t contain the information from 10 years ago that you are looking for? Is having to go to the library and look through the card catalog to find some books, and then have to look through those books to get the information you want, when you can access wikipedia on your phone? Which option makes us more informed and less zombie-like?

 

1 hour ago, Orion1 said:

 

Additionally, analog media often have a longer lifespan compared to digital formats. Vinyl records, for example, can last for decades or even centuries if properly stored and cared for. In contrast, digital storage formats can become obsolete relatively quickly as technology advances, leading to issues with compatibility and accessibility.

You can make the same arguments about the other formats if you aren’t cherry-picking. Vinyl records can become obsolete, too - do they make 78s anymore? They stopped making them in 1959 (I know this because I found it with a computer search, rather than having to go look it up in a book, which might be in the local library, which is currently closed). 

How easy is it to watch betamax videos?

Digital media can be copied quite easily. The information survives if properly stored and cared for.

CDs have been around for >40 years

 

 

[dimreepr]

2 hours ago, exchemist said:

Can you summarise the key points you are making here in a paragraph, or in bullet point form?

I'll have a go:

1. I don't understand, how this fucking thing work's.

2. Nor do I. 

3. Well, you're all zombies then...

[Orion1]

On 5/9/2024 at 4:37 AM, exchemist said:

Can you summarize the key points you are making here in a paragraph, or in bullet point form?

Certainly! Here are the key points I am making:

• Analog media offer advantages over digital formats due to their independence from complex technological infrastructure, longer lifespan, and unique tactile experience.
• Technology has created a culture of instant gratification, particularly affecting younger generations, leading to addictive behaviors and reduced focus on long-term goals.
• The commodification of education, driven by market forces, compromises the quality of learning and undermines critical thinking.
• Contemporary society mirrors aspects of Huxley's "Brave New World," with capitalism driving voluntary self-indulgence and distraction as means of social control.
• Recognizing the influence of capitalism on shaping behaviors and desires is crucial for fostering a more critical and discerning populace capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.
• It's essential to balance the pursuit of happiness with individual freedom and social cohesion to avoid sacrificing autonomy and critical thinking for convenience and pleasure.

On 5/9/2024 at 5:14 AM, swansont said:

Yes, I often listen to LP records and cassette tapes without the need for any external device.

Our “reliance” on digital media is because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If they didn’t, there would have been no drive to adopt the various platforms. Analog media tends to be bulky and difficult to search. The almost-instant availability of digital information is a big argument against “zombification” since we can actually answer questions as they arise, without having to travel access the analog source. It’s far easier to update digital information to keep it current, instead of having to churn out an updated analog version. Analog sources becomes obsolete. What good is having a book from 50 years ago survive, if it doesn’t contain the information from 10 years ago that you are looking for? Is having to go to the library and look through the card catalog to find some books, and then have to look through those books to get the information you want, when you can access Wikipedia on your phone? Which option makes us more informed and less zombie-like?

You raise valid points about the advantages of digital media that have led to its widespread adoption and reliance:

• Accessibility and convenience: Digital media offers almost instant access to vast amounts of information, allowing users to find answers to questions quickly and conveniently without the need to physically locate analog sources. This accessibility promotes active engagement and helps users stay informed and less "zombie-like."
• Searchability and ease of navigation: Digital platforms often provide efficient search functions and navigation tools, making it easier to locate specific information within a vast sea of content compared to analog media, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming to search through.
• Dynamic and up-to-date content: Digital information can be updated and revised easily, ensuring that users have access to the most current and relevant information. This contrasts with analog media, which may become outdated and obsolete over time, limiting its utility in an ever-evolving world.
• Compactness and portability: Digital media can be stored and accessed on compact devices like smartphones and tablets, eliminating the need for bulky physical storage space associated with analog formats like books or records.

While analog media may offer certain nostalgic or sensory experiences, the practical advantages of digital media in terms of accessibility, searchability, and currency make it a preferred choice for many in today's fast-paced and information-driven society. However, it's important to recognize that a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both analog and digital media can provide a more nuanced and enriching experience, catering to different preferences and needs.

On 5/9/2024 at 5:14 AM, swansont said:

You can make the same arguments about the other formats if you aren’t cherry-picking. Vinyl records can become obsolete, too - do they make 78s anymore? They stopped making them in 1959 (I know this because I found it with a computer search, rather than having to go look it up in a book, which might be in the local library, which is currently closed). 

How easy is it to watch betamax videos?

Digital media can be copied quite easily. The information survives if properly stored and cared for.

CDs have been around for >40 years

You're absolutely right, and I appreciate your thoroughness in highlighting the complexities of media formats. Here's a more inclusive perspective:

• Obsolescence: Just like vinyl records, other analog formats such as 78s or Betamax tapes have become obsolete over time, demonstrating that analog media can indeed face issues of relevance and accessibility.
• Digital copying and preservation: While digital media can be easily copied and distributed, this also means that information can be preserved and shared more readily, ensuring its longevity and accessibility if properly stored and cared for.
• Longevity of formats: CDs have indeed been around for over 40 years, highlighting the durability and enduring popularity of certain digital formats compared to their analog counterparts.

These points further emphasize that both analog and digital media have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often depends on factors such as accessibility, convenience, and personal preference. While digital media may offer advantages in terms of searchability, portability, and currency, analog media can provide unique sensory experiences and nostalgia. Recognizing the merits of each format can help inform decisions about how best to consume and preserve information in a rapidly changing media landscape.

On 5/9/2024 at 7:30 AM, dimreepr said:

1. I don't understand, how this fucking thing [technology] work's.

2. Nor do I. 

3. Well, you're all zombies then...

It seems like there might be some frustration or confusion about how something works. Let's break it down:

1. Frustration and confusion: The speaker expresses frustration and a lack of understanding about a certain subject or technology, indicated by the phrase "I don't understand, how this fucking thing works."

2. Shared sentiment: Another individual echoes the sentiment, indicating a mutual lack of comprehension or frustration with the situation.

3. Implication of being "zombies": The third speaker uses the term "zombies" to suggest that the inability to understand or figure out the situation makes them feel disconnected or robotic in some way, emphasizing the frustration and sense of alienation.

It seems like there's a shared sense of confusion or difficulty grasping a concept or technology, leading to a feeling of frustration or disconnect. It might be helpful to seek clarification or assistance to overcome the challenge.

[dimreepr]

10 minutes ago, Orion1 said:

It seems like there might be some frustration or confusion about how something works. Let's break it down:

1. Frustration and confusion: The speaker expresses frustration and a lack of understanding about a certain subject or technology, indicated by the phrase "I don't understand, how this fucking thing works."

2. Shared sentiment: Another individual echoes the sentiment, indicating a mutual lack of comprehension or frustration with the situation.

3. Implication of being "zombies": The third speaker uses the term "zombies" to suggest that the inability to understand or figure out the situation makes them feel disconnected or robotic in some way, emphasizing the frustration and sense of alienation.

It seems like there's a shared sense of confusion or difficulty grasping a concept or technology, leading to a feeling of frustration or disconnect. It might be helpful to seek clarification or assistance to overcome the challenge.

I understand exacly how a motor vehicle work's, and even if I could build one from scratch, it doesn't mean I can drive it successfully.

[exchemist]

27 minutes ago, Orion1 said:

Certainly! Here are the key points I am making:

• Analog media offer advantages over digital formats due to their independence from complex technological infrastructure, longer lifespan, and unique tactile experience.
• Technology has created a culture of instant gratification, particularly affecting younger generations, leading to addictive behaviors and reduced focus on long-term goals.
• The commodification of education, driven by market forces, compromises the quality of learning and undermines critical thinking.
• Contemporary society mirrors aspects of Huxley's "Brave New World," with capitalism driving voluntary self-indulgence and distraction as means of social control.
• Recognizing the influence of capitalism on shaping behaviors and desires is crucial for fostering a more critical and discerning populace capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.
• It's essential to balance the pursuit of happiness with individual freedom and social cohesion to avoid sacrificing autonomy and critical thinking for convenience and pleasure.

You raise valid points about the advantages of digital media that have led to its widespread adoption and reliance:

• Accessibility and convenience: Digital media offers almost instant access to vast amounts of information, allowing users to find answers to questions quickly and conveniently without the need to physically locate analog sources. This accessibility promotes active engagement and helps users stay informed and less "zombie-like."
• Searchability and ease of navigation: Digital platforms often provide efficient search functions and navigation tools, making it easier to locate specific information within a vast sea of content compared to analog media, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming to search through.
• Dynamic and up-to-date content: Digital information can be updated and revised easily, ensuring that users have access to the most current and relevant information. This contrasts with analog media, which may become outdated and obsolete over time, limiting its utility in an ever-evolving world.
• Compactness and portability: Digital media can be stored and accessed on compact devices like smartphones and tablets, eliminating the need for bulky physical storage space associated with analog formats like books or records.

While analog media may offer certain nostalgic or sensory experiences, the practical advantages of digital media in terms of accessibility, searchability, and currency make it a preferred choice for many in today's fast-paced and information-driven society. However, it's important to recognize that a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both analog and digital media can provide a more nuanced and enriching experience, catering to different preferences and needs.

You're absolutely right, and I appreciate your thoroughness in highlighting the complexities of media formats. Here's a more inclusive perspective:

• Obsolescence: Just like vinyl records, other analog formats such as 78s or Betamax tapes have become obsolete over time, demonstrating that analog media can indeed face issues of relevance and accessibility.
• Digital copying and preservation: While digital media can be easily copied and distributed, this also means that information can be preserved and shared more readily, ensuring its longevity and accessibility if properly stored and cared for.
• Longevity of formats: CDs have indeed been around for over 40 years, highlighting the durability and enduring popularity of certain digital formats compared to their analog counterparts.

These points further emphasize that both analog and digital media have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often depends on factors such as accessibility, convenience, and personal preference. While digital media may offer advantages in terms of searchability, portability, and currency, analog media can provide unique sensory experiences and nostalgia. Recognizing the merits of each format can help inform decisions about how best to consume and preserve information in a rapidly changing media landscape.

It seems like there might be some frustration or confusion about how something works. Let's break it down:

1. Frustration and confusion: The speaker expresses frustration and a lack of understanding about a certain subject or technology, indicated by the phrase "I don't understand, how this fucking thing works."

2. Shared sentiment: Another individual echoes the sentiment, indicating a mutual lack of comprehension or frustration with the situation.

3. Implication of being "zombies": The third speaker uses the term "zombies" to suggest that the inability to understand or figure out the situation makes them feel disconnected or robotic in some way, emphasizing the frustration and sense of alienation.

It seems like there's a shared sense of confusion or difficulty grasping a concept or technology, leading to a feeling of frustration or disconnect. It might be helpful to seek clarification or assistance to overcome the challenge.

Right, so a collection of disparate observations, with no linking theme or thesis. That's rather what I thought. 

All very Sirius Cybernetics Corporation.

 

[Eise]

Gave minus 1 to all obviously from AI copied reactions by Orion1. 

Is there no (new) rule that reactions generated by AI as if it is a posting written by the member himself is not allowed?

[atom_cosmic10]

I agree!!!

But we can work on it.