The text explores the author’s nostalgia for a simpler time in college when socializing and media consumption relied on limited options and lack of control. It discusses the impact of technological advancements on communication, media consumption, and personal experiences. The author reflects on the drawbacks of constant connectivity and limitless choices, highlighting the importance of limitations and curated experiences. The text also touches on the role of algorithms, the devaluation of time and the labor behind creative works, and the need for a norm of deep engagement with fewer things.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lack of control and curation in socializing and media consumption | Increased control and curation in socializing and media consumption | More personalized and curated socializing and media consumption experiences | Desire for control and personalization |
| Advancements in technology and access to information | Overwhelm and lack of satisfaction with abundance | Recultivating engagement with less | Desire for deep, meaningful experiences |
| Smartphone usage and constant connectivity | Shift in attitude towards smartphone usage | Reflection on the negative effects of constant smartphone usage | Recognition of the need for breaks from technology |
| Return to print media | Shift from digital to print media consumption | Rediscovery of the value of diverse and curated content | Desire for a nuanced view of the world |
| Desire for personalized and tailored experiences | Loss of patience and critical thinking | Rediscovery of the value of diverse perspectives and ideas | Recognition of the importance of exposure to different viewpoints. |