what's the cost?

The focal point of all technological innovation for two decades has been the computer. The condensation of focused engineering and dreaming, the smartphone- a "bicycle for the mind" promised to change the world and usher in a new era of prosperity and connection.

It’s too easy to overstate how much this promise came to fulfillment, so I leave the conflicting diatribes and sermons to those concerned with the direction our species will venture en masse. My concern is you. What does the mass adoption and subsequent integration of the smartphone into all of human life signal for the average Jen and Joe?

Researcher and entrepreneur Andy Crouch unpacks the loaded offer technology presents as a diminished tradeoff. Tech begins with the opportunity that "now you'll be able to" and ends with the hidden caveat of "you'll no longer be able to" and "now you'll have to." These terms and conditions are the unseen expectations of our lives. They are the beliefs that become entrenched as access and connection make way for distraction and addiction. We think of the constellation of connections that make up our social spheres and find ourselves bound to a digital etiquette of "staying in-touch,” replying to long-lost friends, and fielding potential spam and DM inquiries. These things are not inherently bad, they are new. And novelty, in any part of our lives, should invite interrogation.

Social media creates a cognitive load unknown to man until the 21st century. "You’ll no longer be able to” maintain anonymity and keep your life private from the world. For the first time in history, families put their kids on display for millions, unaware of the long-term ramifications. We have instigated self-surveillance behind closed doors and willingly offered ourselves as court jesters for the masses. In efforts to “bring the world closer together,” we have brought down walls which were previously vital to the functioning of democracies and societies at large. Propriety and discretion, once taken for granted, are obliterated in a digital ecosphere unkind to nuance and understanding. Dogpiles, doxxing, and detritus from digital deconstruction abound.

Now, this is a rather cynical view of “influencer culture” and the dangers therein, but it’s one I feel is already justified by a rising response from Gen Z to platforms like TikTok and distrust in devices. An increasingly common story is that of the pioneer high-schooler ditching their iPhone for more paired-down options. The trade-off is clear: prioritize in-person, non-digital interactions by introducing friction and restriction through a simplified interface.

Exchanges like these are subjective. Every life is unique. Circumstances and lifestyles dictate a person’s need and reception to the adoption of any kind of technology. What’s important is circumspection- are we aware of what we will lose? Do we understand what is required of us? Is every innovation worth each cost?