Yeah, I do wonder just exactly what it's supposed to achieve or what we're supposed to gain by knowing about every little nasty thing that happens all over the world. Seems tailored to create a sense of profound impotence, cynicism or even nihilism.
I wouldn't want to go back to the old days for anything. I love the Internet and all the modern tools and having everything at my fingertips. The old days before the Internet just absolutely sucked. It took forever to hunt down and mail order a car part or a foreign book or a good pair of shoes.
But I wonder about the younger generation growing up with 24/7 connection to everything happening in the world. Seems like a recipe for burn-out or worse. Like you said--impotence, cynicism, and nihilism.
I actually have a tremendous amount of admiration for the younger posters here. They show a lot of maturity. If I had been able to spill out all my teenage angst on public message boards in my youth, I'm not sure I would have been nearly as restrained and sensible as the kids here.
Oh well, it's a new era. The kids will have to make their own peace with it.
Reminds me of an old song. The subject was a different one, but the sense is similar.
He's a rebel and a runner
He's a signal turning green
He's a restless young romantic
Wants to run the big machine
He's got a problem with his poisons
But you know he'll find a cure
He's cleaning up his systems
To keep his nature pure
Learning to match the beat of the Old World Man
Learning to catch the heat of the Third World Man
He's got to make his own mistakes
And learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right
But young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world
But weak enough to lose it
He's a New World Man...
He's a radio receiver
Tuned to factories and farms
He's a writer and arranger
And a young boy bearing arms
He's got a problem with his power
With weapons on patrol
He's got to walk a fine line
And keep his self-control
Trying to save the day for the Old World Man
Trying to pave the way for the Third World Man
He's not concerned with yesterday
He knows constant change is here today
He's noble enough to know what's right
But weak enough not to choose it
He's wise enough to win the world
But fool enough to lose it
He's a New World Man...
(Rush, "New World Man")