Post by amandarussell on Jul 9, 2011 13:05:26 GMT -5
“The End of Solitude” by William Deresiewicz discloses the effects of Internet, television, and texting services on the young, growing mind. Deresiewicz discusses that because of the constant ability to stay in contact, many teenagers and young adults are becoming unable to stand the thought of being alone. I completely agree that social networking sites, where the ‘in’ thing to do is have 500+ ‘friends,’ are changing the thought processes of young people. While “The End of Solitude” suggests that being alone is becoming more and more taboo, I also tend to believe that the target of the essay (websites, texting, etc.) is changing our society into a faceless one. While having 500+ ‘friends’ is the popular thing to do, how many of the young people actually keep up with and talk to each of those 500 ‘friends’ on a daily basis? I would comfortably bet that none of them even can. This lack of complete, face-to-face interaction leads to rather shaky ‘friendships’ or, even worse, an inability to communicate properly outside of texts. When you see someone post on Facebook, it’s usually one of those insignificant or vague “f*ck my life” statuses. As Deresiewicz stated in “The End of Solitude,” “Social life is a
bustle of petty concerns.”
Of course I’m guilty of having added more people than I talk to on my Facebook account, but by no means have I given up the love of solitude. Perhaps it was the way I have been raised, but I am no stranger to being satisfied with nothing to do, and nothing to see. I have always been able to keep myself company, so to speak. One possible reason to wish to be alone is a religious one. While I am not a deeply religious person, I do find solace in solitary prayers. It is impossible to completely devout your mind and your soul to a prayer, or a thought, “when people are chattering at you.” This brings me to one of the more true statements that I have learned from “The End of Solitude,” “Communal experience is the human norm, but the solitary encounter with God is the egregious act that refreshes that norm.” Yes, social gatherings are important to the human mind and soul, but just as important are the moments spent alone in thought and introspection. If there are no instances outside of the normal ones, then the norm begins to become the only way and no developments are made.
Despite the fact that solitude is extremely important to the human mind, Deresiewicz mentioned that it is now considered rude to prefer time spent as truly alone, rather than text constantly or have friends with you. Standing back and simply being alone tends to draw people away from you, mostly because the desire to be alone makes a person seem less friendly, and less reliable. Because of this tendency to become isolated, many people fear being alone and “The more we keep aloneness at bay, the less are we able to deal with it and the more terrifying it gets.” This is mostly true. However, I do not believe fear of being alone is a cause. Fear is an effect of having become accustomed to being accompanied at all times, and being alone (or vice versa). Humans, like all animals, adapt quickly to changing environments, and the social scene is no different. This is noticed when a loner-type person is forced into a crowded situation. There are unpleasant mental (fear) and physical (headache) stimuli that discourage this change. Fear is simply a side effect of a sudden, environmental change.
bustle of petty concerns.”
Of course I’m guilty of having added more people than I talk to on my Facebook account, but by no means have I given up the love of solitude. Perhaps it was the way I have been raised, but I am no stranger to being satisfied with nothing to do, and nothing to see. I have always been able to keep myself company, so to speak. One possible reason to wish to be alone is a religious one. While I am not a deeply religious person, I do find solace in solitary prayers. It is impossible to completely devout your mind and your soul to a prayer, or a thought, “when people are chattering at you.” This brings me to one of the more true statements that I have learned from “The End of Solitude,” “Communal experience is the human norm, but the solitary encounter with God is the egregious act that refreshes that norm.” Yes, social gatherings are important to the human mind and soul, but just as important are the moments spent alone in thought and introspection. If there are no instances outside of the normal ones, then the norm begins to become the only way and no developments are made.
Despite the fact that solitude is extremely important to the human mind, Deresiewicz mentioned that it is now considered rude to prefer time spent as truly alone, rather than text constantly or have friends with you. Standing back and simply being alone tends to draw people away from you, mostly because the desire to be alone makes a person seem less friendly, and less reliable. Because of this tendency to become isolated, many people fear being alone and “The more we keep aloneness at bay, the less are we able to deal with it and the more terrifying it gets.” This is mostly true. However, I do not believe fear of being alone is a cause. Fear is an effect of having become accustomed to being accompanied at all times, and being alone (or vice versa). Humans, like all animals, adapt quickly to changing environments, and the social scene is no different. This is noticed when a loner-type person is forced into a crowded situation. There are unpleasant mental (fear) and physical (headache) stimuli that discourage this change. Fear is simply a side effect of a sudden, environmental change.