Another disturbing side of this phenomena is the incessant checking of Instagram, texting, playing games and whatever else people do with those “phones.” It has become a social crutch in that as soon as you (God forbid) have a moment to yourself, out comes the device to see what is going on elsewhere. It’s crippling in the truest sense of the word. No longer does a person relish the moment for themselves, they throw it away, avoid it at all costs and plug in to a “social” network. I mean if you are checking shit out in bed or on the chairlift you have a serious addiction going. Don’t think it’s an addiction? Try to stop. Is it easy? Is it hard? Or do you just reach for it unconsciously? Again, this is a thing now. It’s called “Internet addiction disorder,” and the studies show how the brains of those who rely on social networking and the like closely resemble the brains of alcohol and cocaine addicts — both sharing disrupted pathways related to emotions, decision-making and self-control. Get some!
Constantly keeping tabs on what others are doing or what’s happening elsewhere seems to me against the purposeful experiences of our lives. Whether they be exhilarating or boring, you simply dismiss yourself from being present. Plus, just take a look around any crowded area and take stock of people holding or searching for their phones. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie where a society of drones are subtlety coerced into becoming an army of slaves. Even the fucking inventor of the iPhone, Steve Jobs, said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
I’m just bringing this to our attention. Everyone knows it, and unless you are completely oblivious you have to think it’s odd behavior for a creature endowed with such remarkable natural gifts. With so many experiences and emotions bestowed upon us as human beings, why we would choose to dilute, dismiss or try to score brownie points on top of them in hopes of greater satisfaction is nothing but a misguided effort towards happiness. Understanding misleading ideals in respect to the genuine article is the key to finding meaning in life. Otherwise, you’re just chasing your tail.
All of this is really just a symptom of society at large, a profoundly sick society. Unfortunately, if one chooses to slow down and not participate in this madness one is called “out of touch” by hoards of disillusioned, attention desperate or moment weary individuals who will do anything short of actually being with themselves to attain contentment. Conversely, when you have the foresight to feel empathy for something so tweaked it doesn’t even recognize its own ignorance, that is more akin to a healthy human condition.
This is why I snowboard. This is why I have always ridden a snowboard. Because it’s pure and because the last thing I need is approval or attention to have fun. It is the ultimate therapy for the suffocating deformities of modern society.
As for my Instagram account? Well, it’s been five months now and I’ve managed to get about six ‘grams up. To me that seems reasonable.
Read also: Called Out: Defenders of the Faith keep snowboarding real
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