Jason Ray Carney in class guest speaker

     Jason Ray Carney came and spoke to the class about his thought while writing his essay Reading as Rebellion in the Age of AI. Jason during his visit discussed the power our phones have over us. Humanity is becoming increasingly addicted to technology and our phones. It is becoming a global issue that is impacting more and more people, specifically younger generations. It has become increasingly uncommon to find someone who doesn't always have their phone on them, or even more, who isn't on their phone or checking their phone every few minutes. 

    Jason discussed an experience he had while abroad, an experience which greatly impacted him and one he claims he would have never had if he had been on his phone. Being in the moment is such a rare thing in the modern age, with constant news coverage, entertainment, and education at our finger tips 24/7, people find no need to not be doing something. To not be stimulated or to be bored. However, boredom is an essential part of life, it ensures our brain can remain active without stimulation, that our attention span remains healthy, and most importantly, allows us to connect to the world around us. As Jason explains, if you are walking around on your phone, with headphones in, or on a call, you are zoned out of what is around you. You lose out on the wonderful connections you can make with strangers, you could miss the conversation that would spark a future relationship with someone, or you could completely ignore something beautiful and life altering. 

    Phones are amazing, they make our lives increasingly easier in numerous ways, yet it is also leading to increasing feelings of isolation and sadness, to people losing the ability to be present in the moment, and to connect with the world around them on a personal level. People are losing a part of what it means to be human. And the unfortunate thing is is that people at increasingly young ages are growing up with phones and they are so accustomed to these side effects that they are not even aware of what they are missing. The thought of having a meaningful conversation with a stranger seems insane, and any time where you are not busy should automatically be spent on your phone.

    Is this truly an epidemic or is this just a naturally evolving part of life? Things that were seen as so normal to older generations, such as dressing up in insanely decorative outfits like in the Victorian era, are completely gone from our current society. Is this just a natural change in day to day life? I would certainly hope not, as this screen epidemic and the use of AI is fundamentally changing the way people's brains work. Kids are losing the ability to focus, to read, to write, to feel motivated to be curious or present. This is a scary time, and I agree with Jason, I think people need to stop relying on their phones as much as they do. 

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