How Technology is Reshaping Our Understanding of Existential Angst
More people are using technology to explore and understand existence.
In our constantly evolving world, the rise of technology has brought about significant changes in various aspects of our lives.
We are using the internet to explore and understand our existence, akin to how existential philosophers pondered life’s mysteries. For example, a person might delve into online forums or resources to find answers to their existential questions, reflecting the vast and complex nature of human existence
Among these changes is a profound impact on the concept of existential angst, a term originally rooted in philosophy.
Defining Existential Angst: A Philosophical Perspective
To understand the impact of technology on existential angst, it’s crucial to first define what existential angst is.
Traditionally associated with philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, existential angst refers to a deep-seated sense of unease or anxiety about the meaning, choice, and freedom in life.
In 1844, Soren Kierkegaard wrote about anxiety as being the ‘dizziness of freedom’, the dizzying effect of looking into the boundlessness of one’s own possibilities.
Without anxiety there would be no possibility and therefore no capacity to grow and develop as a human being.
Albert Camus, a French philosopher and author, is known for his exploration of the absurdity of life. In his essay “The Myth of Sisyphus,” he discussed the absurdity of existence and the possibility of finding meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
He famously stated, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
The Digital Age: A New Arena for Existential Questions
With the advent of the digital age, existential angst has found a new arena.
The internet and digital technologies have given rise to questions about self-identity, the meaning of human connections, and the impact of virtual realities on our perception of the world.
Moreover, technology is altering our self-perception and interpersonal dynamics, as highlighted in “Technology and the Mind”. It is redefining how we think, feel, and understand ourselves and others. The notion of existential risk in a changing world, as discussed in “Technological Wild Cards: Existential Risk and a Changing Humanity”, is another dimension of this transformation.
Technology and the Search for Meaning
The Internet as a Reflection of Our Existence
- The vastness of the internet often mirrors the complexities of human existence. In this digital expanse, individuals search for meaning and understanding, much like existential philosophers pondered the mysteries of life.
History is not what happened but what is written down, says Kathleen McGowan in The Expected One; — take that to the online world — and be extremely deliberate in what you click, like and post.
Virtual Reality: A New Dimension of Existence
- Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a new dimension to explore existence. Here, the boundaries of reality blur, and users can experience alternate lives, raising questions about the nature of reality and existence.
The Paradox of Connection and Isolation
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
- Social media platforms have redefined human connections, offering both a sense of belonging and an undercurrent of isolation. This paradox reflects the existential dilemma of seeking connection while grappling with the authenticity of these digital relationships.
The Impact of Online Communities
- Online communities have become modern-day tribes, providing support and a sense of belonging. However, they also pose existential questions about the nature of these connections and the shifting dynamics of human interaction.
Artificial Intelligence: Challenging Human Uniqueness
AI and the Question of Consciousness
- The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought the question of consciousness to the forefront. As AI systems become more advanced, they challenge our understanding of what it means to be uniquely human.
The Ethical Implications of AI
- AI technology raises ethical questions that resonate with existential themes. The responsibility of creating and managing intelligent systems leads to a deeper contemplation of our role and purpose in a technologically advanced world.
The Information Overload: Navigating a Sea of Knowledge
The Challenge of Information Abundance
- The internet provides access to an overwhelming amount of information. This abundance poses existential challenges as individuals struggle to find meaning and relevance in a sea of data.
The Paralysis of Choice
- With limitless information and choices available online, individuals often experience a paralysis of choice. This phenomenon echoes existential concepts of freedom and the burden of choice.
Cybersecurity and the Threat to Individual Existence
The Vulnerability of Digital Existence
- In the digital age, existential angst is also fueled by concerns over cybersecurity. The threat to our digital selves — from personal data to online identities — adds a new layer to existential fears.
Navigating Privacy in a Connected World
- The issue of privacy in an interconnected world touches upon existential themes of freedom and autonomy. The balance between connectivity and privacy remains a key concern in the digital age.
As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that its impact on existential angst is profound and multi-faceted.
From redefining our sense of self and community to challenging our notions of reality and consciousness, technology has become an integral part of our existential journey.
Embracing these changes and the questions they raise is crucial in navigating our existence in this ever-changing digital landscape
