Let me explain. So imagine this tv show with the plot taking place about like a few decades before the internet was invented. If I see that, I suddenly feel some sort of anxiety as in: “Damn, how did people even get information?”, like I suddenly imagine myself, there, as a child, and not having access to this seemlingly unlimited access to information that I currently have, and not to mention, entertainment content. So like, that feeling of feeling like I’m in the past (as in: I’m imagining myself being in the past), but not have access to the internet just gives me a very bad feeling. Idk how to describe it. As an introvert, I’d hate the pre-internet era.
For context, I’m Gen Z (I mean like birth year around 2000-2005), and I grew up reading a lot of Wikipedia and educational Youtube videos, and variety of news articles, and reading through a lot of internet forums. I hate imagining a world where I didn’t have that. Like Growing up 100 years ago, I would feel even more lonely and isolated, I’d probably have ended my own life out of boredom, if it weren’t for the endless amount of information I am able to obtain.
What is this weird feeling that I’m feeling?
Reverse-Nostalgia?
History-Phobia?
Techno-philia?
(Am I being weird? 🤔)
It’s because back then there was a thing called boredom which led to creativity and generally happier lives. Now, it’s nearly impossible to be bored, and people are much less apt to learn a new thing or go on an adventure because theyre obsessed with their phones. Institute a no phone or no internet rule on weekends, I do this and it’s great!
I think you are deeply mistaken in believing that people can be on their phones and not be bored at the same time.
But it’s a satisfying boredom, weirdly enough
Nope. Me doomscrolling for hours is very much not satisfying at all. It’s just boredom (combined with existential dread and overstimulation).
That’s what I mean. It’s boring but you can do it for hours. Most other boring things people will just quit and do something else.
Exactly. If you’re sitting there with no phone, you’re more apt to pick up a book or go somewhere than just doomscroll