We're information-overloaded, screen-addicted, and socially isolated while being "connected." This virtual space heightens anxiety, depression, and burnout and separates us from the somewhat close yet also out of reach society/life.

What really bothers me is that technology, which was meant to help us, is actually being used to grab our attention and fuel consumerism. The "we" in this case are all those who reside in a highly connected world, but poorer communities might get harmed more since they have fewer mental health resources and offline safe spaces.

As is becoming increasingly known globally, some threats we face today include climate change from, for instance, greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater pollution and ocean acidification both attributed to things like chemical pollution, biodiversity loss from habitat destruction, and stratospheric ozone depletion. “We”, meaning those living within and benefiting from global industrialized systems (at least that’s how I would classify the “we” for now), arrived at this point through the prioritization of short-term gain over long-term planetary health (e.g., according to the Climate Disclosure Project, “100 corporations are responsible for 71% of GHG emissions between 1988 and 2015”). What particularly troubles me is the persistent lack of acknowledgement for the aforementioned threats amongst humanity overall. Despite overwhelming evidence that industrial growth models and capitalism have led us into an ecological crisis, there still seems to be this adamant faith that those same systems will somehow save us (e.g., technological advancement in recent years has proven so powerful that it will surely help us mitigate the effects of climate change). In addition, ignoring/dismissing these environmental issues entirely has become a popular strategy for preserving comfort…… but where will that get us in the long run?

What troubles me most is how normal all of this has become. Even with wildfires, floods, and rising temperatures, many governments and companies carry on like nothing is wrong. Climate change hits vulnerable communities hardest, and there is a real risk that we are approaching tipping points that could cause irreversible damage. I also think people are becoming disconnected from nature, which makes it harder to care or act.

It is important to be clear that not everyone is equally responsible. Wealthier, industrialized countries have driven a lot of this damage through systems rooted in colonization and exploitation. In contrast, many Indigenous communities have long embraced a more reciprocal and respectful relationship with the land. If we want real change, we need to question the systems and worldviews that got us here in the first place.

I am turning away from the mindset that individual actions do not matter. It is easy to feel powerless, but I have realized that staying silent or disconnected just allows harmful systems to keep going. I am also trying to turn away from always needing to be productive and instead give more time to rest, reflection, and connection with nature.

I am turning toward alternative ways of thinking, slowing down, caring more about relationships than achievements, and reimagining what a good life looks like beyond just material success. It is not always easy, but it feels more honest and aligned with what the world really needs right now.