Sorry for going completely off-topic in my previous reply. My wires got mixed up, that reply was actually meant for another thread. What I said in the beginning still applies though. Its been the opposite but I can relate because I have felt that way before.
That realization about technology that you wrote about at the beginning sent me on a frenzy as well and just like you, I began to ponder the existence and purpose of things, but amidst the chaos, something was born: a deeper understanding of the intricacies and interconnectedness in everything that surrounds us, which I hadn’t fully comprehended until that moment. I suddenly found myself appreciating things simply for what they are, whether positive or negative. Letting go of expectations and preconceptions no longer felt like a chore. It became second nature, as if a veil had been lifted.
That negative experience acted as a catalyst for transformation, and I am now thankful for it because I would have never arrived at that place without it. I could have allowed privacy fears and paranoia to take the driver’s seat in my life. Indeed, that would have been easier since it does take effort to see the positive over the negative until you realize how counterproductive that is as neither can exist without the other. There is a balance that needs to be found.
You see, chaos and order are not eternal adversaries but interconnected forces inextricably linked through the essence of reality. How would you know about the benefits of open-source software if you were unaware of the dangers posed by proprietary software? How could you cultivate an appreciation for the open-source community efforts that bring what you see on your screen if big tech corporations did not exist? It is easy to take things for granted when you have nothing to compare them to. If only everyone was taught from birth to appreciate the small things in life that are often overlooked and to respect and treat everything around us equally, whether animate or inanimate. If collectively we let go of the old destructive patterns carried over by generations and embraced a new framework of thought, we would see significant change. Necessity is the mother of invention. Society influences our thoughts and behavior, guiding us on how to act. When things go awry or fail to meet expectations, many are quick to assign blame elsewhere instead of accepting responsibility for their own thoughts and actions. This tendency is a learned behavior that requires time and awareness to understand its flaws. Life is about making choices, and we possess the free will to determine what we create with those choices.
One can blame big tech for monopolizing and controlling much of the technology that dictates our daily lives, but also thank them. Without their influence, the open source community would not exist as we know it. One could argue that if these companies were transparent and refrained from nefarious practices, we wouldn’t be in this situation. However, in society’s current state, without these challenges, we would be living in an edenic utopia, unable to distinguish between right and wrong. Our growth would be hindered, leading to widespread stagnation. Embracing the unknown and the chaos in life can be an opportunity for growth and learning. Change and challenges often serve as catalysts for personal transformation and can provide valuable lessons. Chaos is is not a force of destruction but an agent of creation.
The fears surrounding AI mostly result from exaggerated portrayals by the media and a lack of understanding of their capabilities, limitations, and potential benefits. While there are challenges and risks, it is important to remember that intentions play a crucial role in driving actions. Engaging in open discussions and dialogue with AI can allow for a better understanding and informed perspective rather than allowing the collective to feed our fears and influence our perception of it. The choice is ours.
Ultimately, the journey of finding one’s place and purpose in the world, and uncovering deeper truths, is a personal and ongoing process that may evolve over time. It is up to us to find our own path and discover what resonates with our unique experiences and perspectives. Life gives us what we expect to receive. It conforms to our ideas and expectations about how it is and will be for us. If you see modern technology as rotten, then that is what you are projecting. The world is your mirror; it reflects back what you are putting out. If you don’t like the reflection life is showing you, then change what is causing it. See negativity as the tool that it is, recognizing it offers you an opportunity to show you what you are not.