Honestly I’m going to sound like an old man but the internet ruined society in a lot of ways. I mean I’ve enjoyed its benefits my whole life and my profession is centered around it. No doubt it has benefits.

But we were not ready for it. Technology advanced faster than human beings matured. We weren’t prepared for this thing that could grant us all of our wishes instantly.

On top of that, talking with someone on the internet is absolutely not how you talk to people in real life. Yet, most of our conversations happen on the internet. It trains you to be able to turn off experiences that you don’t like. It trains you to be uncaring towards people with no repercussions.

So when you are in the real world, it’s like you forget how to cordially coexist with people.

It is tragic. Like you said.

[–] insomniac_lemon@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

The internet is part of it (a crutch or surrogate, a reason to not leave the house, a quick time-filler that doesn't require extra space or money), but I think that outside factors are bigger. For instance I live in a semi-rural area and don't have a car, so I don't really have options anyway (particularly not wanting to spend money). If the internet went out today I'd just be really alone and with nothing to do.

Also the decline of social capital hasn't been so bad everywhere, and wouldn't you know it the countries that have the most social capital seem to also be the ones that also top other charts like for happiness or healthcare outcomes. The ones that some people in the US look to as an example for better policy and society structure.