The Beneficial Results of Becoming Digital

We live in a world revolving around a fully dynamic network of information known as the internet. The act of becoming digital, as our society currently is, seems to have been given a negative connotation in regards to its effects on our reality. For some reason there is this misconception that evolving technology, specifically the internet, is a tool that is depleting individuality and creativity amongst its users. Among other things, the thought of a truly digital age is directly associated with a disconnection from reality; but why? I argue the exact opposite. Individuality, creativity, and our sense of reality are all greatly enhanced by means of becoming digital, associated with the utilization of technological advancements.

The roots of individuality stem from knowledge and understanding, which is processed by the brain, resulting in the formation of opinions that create subjective thought. As the network of information from which we draw knowledge is increased, a greater sense of individuality will likely evolve. Therefore, by means of the internet and its monumental source of information, it is easier than ever before to form individual preferences, opinions, and so forth, in regards to any number of interests. The internet breathes individuality. In becoming digital, we have not given up our right to form opinions. We have actually enhanced that right through the ability to now be more adequately informed on the issues from which our original opinions stem.

A second concern that people seem to have with technology is that it supposedly constricts creativity. This is not true. Creativity is a fundamental characteristic of the human mind. It is always present, and always constant; it merely shifts forms. Creativity is simply the unique manipulation and interpretation of the world around us, rather digital or not. Creating a beautiful piece of abstract art in Photoshop is done through the same fundamental characteristic of creativity that is used in painting a watercolor. Some would argue that this is not true, saying that in the case of Photoshop you are simply using a program to create a product that is greatly restricted by the code that makes up the program itself. However, in the case of painting a watercolor are you not also constricted by the physical properties of a brush, paint, and so forth? There are always limiting factors, they just shift forms. Photoshop was designed as a photograph editor. Utilizing the abilities of the program in order to make abstract art from scratch is very creative. Though a watercolor painting and a Photoshop creation are very different in many aspects, the area of the brain utilized in making them is the same, and the end products are fundamentally alike. Furthermore, the internet fosters the means by which we can discover new and interesting ways to enhance our creative minds, through its network of resources pertaining to information on anything and everything of human interest.

The final point I would like to make is coming back to the misconception that as culture becomes increasingly digital, and advancements in technology become top priority, we lose touch with reality. Once again, I see it as quite the opposite. Technological advancements foster interest and deepening understanding of reality by means of scientific breakthroughs. The internet is a catalyst for these advancements, as a convenient source of an infinite wealth of knowledge on any field of interest. In the realm of technological advancements, some people say that we are focusing too much on mass media entertainment (through iPods, gaming consoles, etc.), and not enough on important issues such as medical ailments. However, people need to realize that the same technology being researched to go into the next iPod or Playstation is also the key to solving many medical mysteries. Faster silicon chips and memory modules, the key components of iPods and Playstations, will result in the ability to produce significantly faster and more effective supercomputers to complete such tasks as analyzing protein folding that could result in a better understanding of the causes of cancer. Its technology; and it’s all connected. Embrace it.