The relevancy of emotional isolation and technology is palpable, especially in the younger generation. The latest research points out that the more immersed in the new technology and connected digitally, the more introverted and emotionally isolated an individual becomes. It is also becoming increasingly evident that all human emotions are, at their core, biochemical reactions within the central and peripheral nervous systems. That means superfast reactions that occur every millisecond within the synaptic gaps between neurons are responsible for shaping our experience of how we perceive reality. Therefore, all it takes for a biochemical organism like us to experience any feeling is to create the optimum homeostasis environment for releasing the relevant neurotransmitters. For example, the same internal experience that takes place when we smell a flower or the food that we like can be produced artificially by stimulating the group of neurons responsible for causing that experience, live. So, it's not surprising to see that more humans are gravitating towards their hand-held devices. The same endorphins are released whether you hug a poppy or get a like from a social media post; our biochemistry doesn't discriminate!

We are becoming more and more interdependent with technology, and there is no escaping from that. However, I also don't think that being present and connected with the "actual" reality of experiencing life is going to be replaced entirely anytime soon. In fact, I believe that our experiences can become more colorful and nuanced because of technology, as long as we don't lose the distinction between analog and digital experiences and use the emerging technology as a tool. Humanity is at one of the most pivotal crossroads that it has ever faced. Up to this point, we have created tools to enhance and improve our lives but have always been in the driver's seat. Only in the last two or three decades have humans harnessed the technology that has removed them from the driver's seat and, eventually, will replace them from managing and the supervisory role altogether! Until now, we always had the last word and control over anything we created. However, we are now in the process of creating something that is far more capable and intelligent than ourselves, which will eventually take control of running things on our behalf. It'll be a significant oversight to also let it run our emotions as well.

I remember listening to an interview about AI, and the conclusion was that there is basically only one distinction between organic and artificial life: suffering. That may explain the increase in self-mutilation and self-harm in the younger generation. Inflicting pain can become the only way to experience real human emotions when most emotional experiences are artificial and caused digitally. So, how can we manage the emergence of new technology and navigate this fast-moving train toward a more humane trajectory? I believe one answer is to enhance our humanity and cherish our physical experiences more, as the world is increasingly becoming digital. I know this has been a common theme in my last few pieces, but in my humble opinion, it is becoming overwhelmingly essential to be present and increase the analog experience of being connected with our own senses, one another, and nature. Perpetual periods of disconnecting from the digital world are becoming evermore essential for sustaining humanity!

You'll be surprised how spending only a few minutes a day away from our devices can profoundly affect how we feel about ourselves and life in general. Instead of looking at your phone every minute, wear an old-fashioned wristwatch to keep track of time if you need to. Take a short walk daily, take your phone for emergencies, but turn it off. Or just turn your phone off for a predetermined period of time every day and just sit and look out of a window while immersing yourself in your thoughts about anything; observing your own thoughts while deep breathing is an excellent form of grounding your body. The main point is to practice living outside of the digital bobble that overshadows the experience of being alive. It'll be stupid not to use the advances that emerging technology offers humans, but it'll also be stupid to let it take over humanity.

Be well,
Siamak