Jia Tolentino, New Yorker writer, discusses the internet's performative nature, its impact on politics, and collective psyche during the pandemic with Jon. They delve into online authenticity, virtue signaling, and the addictive pull of social media. Reflecting on evolving online interactions, they highlight the shift from genuine connections to curated personas. The conversation explores the illusion of online activism and challenges of navigating internet usage, particularly during significant global events. The discussion also touches on parenting concerns in the digital age and the importance of physical interactions amidst the online culture.
Excessive internet use leads to shallow connections, hindering real-life interactions.
Online political discourse values being right over engaging in productive conversations.
Raising children in a digital age requires balancing screen time with offline activities.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Internet on Personal and Civic Life
Spending excessive time on the internet affects personal and civic engagement negatively. The podcast discusses how constant online presence hinders real-life interactions, leading to shallower connections and unproductive online behavior. With the pandemic intensifying screen time, the lack of in-person engagement has worsened societal discourse and action, replacing meaningful interactions with online performances of opinions and beliefs.
Challenges of Political Persuasion and Online Engagement
Political discourse has shifted on the internet, where being right is often perceived as sufficient. The podcast highlights how individuals may overvalue their opinions online without actively working towards persuading others or engaging in in-depth conversations. This trend poses a challenge to democracy, as online interactions do not translate into effective civic action or substantial social change.
Reflecting on Parenting in the Digital Age
The episode delves into the implications of raising children amidst the ever-present influence of screens and the internet. The hosts explore the desire to shield their children from excessive screen time and digital distractions, aiming for a childhood marked by real-world experiences and creativity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering offline activities and personal interactions in children's development.
Finding Solace in Unplugging and Escape from the Digital World
The podcast suggests ways to disconnect from the digital realm, such as engaging in nature-oriented online platforms like WindowSwap. Additionally, personal anecdotes demonstrate the benefits of utilizing technologies like WindowSwap or taking natural psychedelics to aid in unplugging from screens and finding solace in offline experiences.
Acknowledging the Playful and Thoughtful Engagement
Exploring a wide array of topics related to online engagement and the influence of the internet on society, the episode balances playful banter with thoughtful analyses. Through personal stories and reflections, the hosts navigate complex issues surrounding online behavior, highlighting the need for genuine connection, meaningful discourse, and a conscious balance between digital and real-world interactions.
Jia Tolentino, New Yorker staff writer and author of Trick Mirror, talks to Jon about how the internet has turned life into an endless performance, why that makes politics hard and virtue signaling easy, and what being online during the pandemic has done to our collective psyche.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, please visit crooked.com/podsaveamerica. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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