I like the author’s description of the impact of the Internet in his life. It is truly the end of absence (Harris, 2014). I believe that Harris was talking about the absence of gaps. Before the Internet came to enrich, and at the same time to mess up our lives, there were many gaps. These gaps are not problems or weaknesses. These gaps are like spices that enhances the flavor of life. I remember a quote about the silence or rests in a musical piece. Musicians say that these rests or stops are the things that made music beautiful. The entry of the Internet in our lives creates bittersweet experiences, because people are enjoying the benefits it brings, and lamenting the end of absence.
The gaps are important in providing rest. It allows us to enjoy the moment. Consider the joy of birthday parties, and consider the delight of spending time with friends. The feeling of happiness that people experience during these special occasions are made possible by the gaps in the schedule. It is a different story when the body is physically present, but the mind dwells on something else. The availability of the Internet through mobile phones allows people to open up the sacred areas of their lives. These sacred areas are off-limits to others. However, the Internet provides easy access to these sacred places. As a result, it allows less sensitive people to impose their needs and desires on us.
It is impossible to add gaps into time schedules. Even the prudent leader who values the importance of rest and recreation, he finds it hard to sustain this mindset. Gaps in schedules seems to evaporate, even if you make the deliberate effort to disengage from social media and instant messaging tools.
The absence of gaps forces people to work without rest. The author shares this view when he quotes Dr. Small: “In the short run, these stress hormones boost energy levels and augment memory, but over time they actually impair cognition, lead to depression, and alter the neural circuitry in the brain” (Harris, 2014, p.3). It is difficult to compare the work rate of 21st century people, and those who did not have access to the Internet. The unnecessary workload piles up, because we do not know how to stop. The additional workload creeps in, because we do not have the ability to comprehend the amount of time that is needed to sustain the deadly habit. According to Harris, “We rationalize the interruptions that our phones and tablets demand – each checking of email or scanning of YouTube is, after all, just a momentary concession” (Harris, 2014, p.7). This is the justification that serves as the currency to indulge people’s desire for greater interconnections. However, there is a price to pay for increasing the efficiency rate, and the ability to speed up the process of doing things.
The gaps ensures enough time for rest. The gaps also ensures enough time to reflect. Deep learning is the consequence of allowing gaps to develop in our schedules. I wonder if this is the reason why there were so many discoveries before the invention of the Internet. I wonder if this is the root cause, and if it helps explain the proliferation of ideas in the time period before the Digital Age.
It is not wise to continue on this path, especially if you know the things that awaits those who insist that these sacrifices are momentary concessions. In truth, they are momentary compromises, that promises the same level of consequences. It is prudent to heed the warnings made by doctors regarding the effect of stress. It is a phenomenon that is hard to detect. As a result, people continue to ignore the warning signs. They thought that they can handle the poisonous fruits that comes from an evil tree. It is therefore high time to preach about the impact of the end of absence.
The possible ill-effects to our bodies is a cause for major concern. However, the crushing blow will come later, when we realize the consequences of our behavior. If it is hard for us to distinguish good from evil, then, one can argue that they will have a harder time in perceiving the difference. Those who are born in the year 2015 will have no recollection of the era before the Internet. They will have no idea that gaps in schedules is a wonderful thing.
Technological advancements like the Internet are always seen as double-edged swords. On one side it is perceived as a wonderful gift to humanity. However, on the other side, it has the potential to ruin lives. The main reason is the inability to handle the gaps in schedules. Even wise people are having a hard time in creating gaps in their schedules. Great leaders are often unable to deal with the pressure of work. They have no power to say not to other commitments. As a result, there is no time for rest. These momentary concessions will soon become major compromises. It compromises the health of people, and it compromises the health of their relationships. Another important drawback is the inability to find time for greater pursuits.
Reference
Harris, M. (2014). The end of absence: Reclaiming what we’ve lost in a world of constant connections. New York: Penguin Group.