XXIV

Listening

With the internet readily available at our fingertips, the juggernaut of social media has successfully stripped the ability to listen from modern day society. Suddenly, every post and status update becomes a voice for the individual. Humanity now feels the need to inform others when they're bored or what they're eating, like someone actually cares. Drowning in narcissism, people use social media as a one-sided conversation, constantly writing and informing about themselves--how they feel and what they are doing. Constantly rambling about their own doings, they forget how to listen to others and exchange ideas. Instead, they would rather converse about trivial matters, as long as it remains self-focused. However, focusing on yourself accomplishes nothing major. To grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, ideas must be exchanged and challenged. After all, an Instagrammed picture of a Starbucks coffee cup never impacted a life.