Americans live in a fast-paced society. We’re used to a 24/7 news cycle with instant
updates. Media conglomerates promote
“web speed” for professionals and all Americans alike. Internet surfers become impatient if websites
take too long to load. On social media
there are millions and millions who participate in the minute by minute
snapshots of life. On many TV channels
images move fast and change rapidly.
Audiences are bombarded with sound bites that are entertaining, but
don’t tell the whole story. News is
presented in 15 or 30-second segments like commercials. Such fare is backed up by weekly polling and
telephone interviews to monitor the public’s sentiments.
Radio and TV call-in talk shows demand answers right away,
and give callers quick feedback about education, religion, the economy, health,
and disasters. Much of this information
is sent via pictures on Smart phones.
Americans are used to cutting corners, logging on, tuning in, and
dialing up, for services. We now live in
an age of instant gratification. By
pressing a few buttons people use the Grindr app on their cell-phones to find
dates.
Around the nation millions stream videos. DVDs come from Netflix that has more than
8-million mail subscribers. Shoppers
receive services on the same day and there are self-checkout lines in stores
that keep customers moving. Walmart has
Walmart-To-Go and Amazon is known for expedited shopping. We are used to fast
foods from drive thru-windows at McDonald’s, Hardee’s and Wendy’s.
Mediocrity
Critics think that quick fixes may result in nimble
thinking. Educators feel learning takes
time, and repetition by students to really get it. But Americans appear convinced that “snail
mail” is out. They can email friends and
coworkers and use instant messaging.
Consumers are used to paying a bit more for overnight shipping.
We have become a society of texting and tweeting. Some social media accept no more than 140
characters per tweet. What you have to
say, say it fast, and in a sound bite.
To some, dating is speed dating.
No longer is it required to know a person before deciding on a
date. Gadgets and more gadgets have
become the name of the game. David
Duchovny (b. 1960) wrote, “I’m kind of stupid when it comes to gadgets.” Was Duchovny saying that he has allowed
gadgets to rule his life? Or, does he
mean that he’s stupid when it comes to knowing what gadgets can really do?
Speed & Emptiness
Since all events are happening so fast it leaves us wondering
what’s next. In trying to multitask are
we forming bad habits of dependency on gadgets?
Does our impatience in demanding things now lead to health problems like
diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity for relying on fast foods? Must we blame capitalism and consumerism for
dishing out these sources faster and faster?
How must we view our dependency on technological devices? These are surely challenging problems.
False Sense of Security
A record producer, conductor and 27-time Grammy winner Qunicy
Jones (b. 1933) said, “I have all the tools and gadgets. I tell my son, who’s a producer, ‘You never
work for the machine; the machine works for you.’” Is this the lesson we must take away about
inventions which keep speeding up our lives?
Should Americans pick and choose from the technological offerings which
work best for them? But aren’t we
failing at this?
Insights on Developments
To Christians being wise should be the key when making
decisions about our nation’s culture.
Patience is a virtue, but society’s growing impatience may be a bad
thing if not checked. Despite speed
everywhere, a believer may be concerned that Americans are heading down the
wrong road. But God is in control. Why must we allow ourselves to deteriorate
because of mental health issues because of demands placed on us by
gadgets?
Christians should learn to cultivate patience – the capacity
to endure hardship, difficulty, or inconvenience. Daily devotion is essential. By reflecting and praying for wisdom, seek
God’s grace while embracing the fruits of the spirit. In being dedicated to the Lord people are
able to discover peace, love, joy and fulfillment. Instant gratification is never the answer to
understanding life’s problems. That’s
why we should face issues with perseverance, and overcome difficulties as they
arise. One of the tests of our modern
age is how to live victoriously in a fast-paced nation.
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