Digital Viral Slop!

Escape the screen.
Take a walk in the woods!

The Gab CEO sent out an interesting article a few days ago: JOMO, The Joy of Missing Out. The article was a reflection on the amount of time and attention we give to our computers, phones, and other digital devices. The joy comes from "missing out" on the digital viral slop that consumes so much of our time and energy. Here's a bit from the article which has convinced me to stop playing any internet games during Advent and to limit my exposure to the ubiquitous screen:

Research shows that excessive information consumption can lead to psychological stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. This constant bombardment of information through various digital channels can overwhelm our cognitive capacities, making it difficult to process and evaluate the information effectively. The inability to filter and process the overwhelming amount of data can result in difficulty making decisions, decreased productivity, and a general sense of being overwhelmed.

Our minds were not made to consume the amount of information that modern man consumes on a daily basis. We’ve reached a point of information and entertainment overload that is, to be honest, frying our brains. Our brains have been hijacked and distracted from the things that truly matter in life. The internet and social media have given rise to a new form of content – viral digital slop. This term refers to the mindless, low-quality content that goes viral for no particular reason other than its shareability. From clickbait articles to pointless memes, viral slop is designed to capture our attention and keep us engaged, even if the content is ultimately meaningless.

In addition to the viral slop, we are also consuming an excessive amount of entertainment. From streaming services to video games, we have more ways than ever to distract ourselves from the realities of life. While entertainment can provide a much-needed break, excessive consumption can lead to a lack of focus on the things that truly matter, such as our relationships, personal growth, and spiritual well-being.

This struck me as so true! I often get sidetracked by a headline popping up on the sidebar or by the video reels or an ad. Think of all the time wasted with all that "meaningless" slop. Today I'm going to the Green Valley Book Fair. Limiting my screen time will give me a lot more time to read, reflect, do puzzles with my grandkids, take a walk, and, above all, to pray more during that incredibly blessed season anticipating the birth of Christ. 

What are your plans for Advent?