Over the past decade we have been pulled, collectively, into a new realm of experience.
It consists of intuitive digital platforms, instantaneous communication, and personalised experiences.
As an extension of ourselves, it is seductive. When we were first caught, we felt euphoric. There were feelings of revolutionary potential, oneness with the world, the herald of utopia.
It was like a drug. But now we find ourselves impotently trying to find that same high.
We’ve realised that, for all its sophisticated wizardry, the internet reflects ourselves – both the good, and the bad.
Today’s story of the web is, for many of us, that of fake news, narcissism, acceleration of time, addiction, fear of missing out, online shaming, and uncanniness. There are new digital pathologies that are in their nascent stage, waiting to erupt. For many of us there is a sense that the world is getting angrier.
But humans, collectively, are resilient. We are forging new paths in response to this mental takeover.
Clear examples include digital detoxes - where people disconnect from the internet. A rise in yoga and meditation as a palliative to our intensifying minds. Apps that monitor how much time we spend online and help us control our behaviour.
These are the start of a broad trend that sees us returning to our analogue mind with a renewed appreciation of what we are. It is similar to the appreciation you have for your home after being away for a long time.
Other indicators of this trend are a deepening interest in psychology, more widespread use of hallucinogenic drugs, interest in new ways to access your subconscious (like flotation tanks), and a scientific elucidation of the key concepts of Carl Jung (such as archetypes and the collective unconscious).