It is an honor to have you as a member of our subscription service! Share today. #9 IM Culture: Digital ProxemicsDr. Stephen Phinney: Information overload can manifest as mental fatigue, reduced attention span, and impaired decision-making, particularly within relationships.
PROXEMICS | Digital PassivityWhy is the leading complaint online, ‘no replies?’In the post-modern digital age, the concept of proxemics has evolved to encompass the virtual spaces we inhabit. Digital Proxemics explores how individuals and groups navigate and interact within online environments, examining the spatial dynamics of digital communication. As we increasingly rely on technology for social interaction, understanding the nuances of digital proxemics becomes essential within our spiritual, psychological, and social behavioral patterns. This essay delves into how virtual proximity influences our behavior, relationships, and sense of presence, shedding light on how we maintain personal space and boundaries in an elusive world of digital relationships. Information AddictionDigital information addiction is a growing concern in our hyper-connected world. This phenomenon refers to the compulsive need to consume and engage with digital content - scrolling until our finger is worn out, often at the expense of real-world interactions and responsibilities. The constant influx of information from social media, news outlets, and other online platforms can lead to overwhelming urgency and anxiety as individuals “feel” pressured to stay updated and connected. However, the irony is that they don’t authentically connect with those feeding them information, which converts them into digital zombies. This addiction can disrupt sleep patterns, reduce productivity, and negatively impact mental stability and relationships within their space, as in marriages, children, and neighbors. Understanding and addressing digital information addiction is crucial for fostering a balanced and healthy relationship with technology in our daily lives. The Digital Tree of KnowledgeIn the Book of Genesis, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil stands as a powerful symbol of human curiosity and the desire for demonic wisdom, which is earthly and natural. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. (James 3:14-15)God placed this tree in the Garden of Eden, instructing Adam and Eve not to eat its fruit. However, the serpent’s temptation and the allure of gaining knowledge led them to disobey God’s command. This act of reaching for the forbidden fruit reflects humanity’s innate longing to compulsively obtain more and more information, demonic logic, and self-rule understanding, which offers the illusion of self-control over their surroundings, even at the cost of information addiction. The story serves as a profound reminder of the consequences of seeking knowledge apart from God’s will & His Tree of Life, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience to the indwelling mind of Christ, who is supposed to do our thinking. The Logic of AddictionAddiction to information often stems from the flawed logic that more information equates to better decision-making, a better and more informed life, and greater control over one’s life.This belief can lead individuals to compulsively seek out and consume vast amounts of data, often without discerning its relevance or accuracy. Most digital addicts can spend multiple hours in a given setting without realizing their wasted time. Forget about confronting them, for hostility will surface instantly. The reason? Their addiction has become a ‘love affair’ of sorts - comforting them with every scroll. The constant pursuit of information can create a cycle of anxiety and dependency, as individuals “feel” an insatiable need to stay informed and connected. Frequently this results from a broken marriage or lack of intimate relationships within their space - social life. Liken to the act of masturbation, it replaces the authentic form of intimacy. This addiction can disrupt daily routines, impair critical thinking, and diminish the quality of real-world interactions with real people. By recognizing the limitations and potential harms of information overload, individuals can seek out a more balanced and mindful approach to consuming digital content. However, I must warn you, since most digital addicts have shifted to information FOR relationships, few have trust in human interactions as a safe place. The ConsequencesIn my ten years of proxemics studies, I have observed that the constant navigation of digital information and social spaces can lead to cognitive overload, ultimately shutting down the brain. God creates the human brain to make an average of ten significant decisions per hour. Research reveals the average online scroller is tempted to make an average of 200 per hour. When individuals are continually bombarded with spatial cues, a decision to scroll to the next “interesting” article or social poster, their cognitive resources become strained - resulting in proxemic shut down. However, this does not stop them. They continue scrolling until they develop what we counselors call passive resistance, which forms passive-aggressive behaviors. Information overload can manifest as mental fatigue, reduced attention span, and impaired decision-making, particularly within relationships. The brain’s natural response to this overwhelming input is to enter a state of shutdown, spiritually, psychologically, and frequently physically - forming psychosomatic ailments. The habitual action of social retardation becomes the “norm,” making it difficult to process new information or engage meaningfully with the environment. Understanding the impact of proxemics on cognitive function is crucial for developing strategies to manage spatial interactions and maintain mental well-being. The key is, if you don’t engage, delete it or move on!Outside of reading for research TO help someone else or improve your outreach in the mission given to you through Christ, move on, delete it, or save the information for a rainy day. It is in the compulsive activity of “feeling” compelled to read that fatigue settles in. When I read, I read for a prompt for ACTION. If the content does not provide this, it is either moved to my “rainy day” file or it is deleted. I delete an average of 200 emails per day. The emails of people who take the time to engage with me almost always are put in my “must read and respond” file - with the goal of responding with a 48-hour period! The results are this: my mind/day only has time for information connected to relationships. When people ask me how I stay on top of a massive online ministry, this is my golden key. People waste their time with stupid/unproductive things!To lead a more fulfilling and productive life as an indwelt believer, it’s essential to steer clear of activities that waste the Lord’s time and energy - those activities that don’t add success and purpose to His calling within us. Write this statement down and put it in your Bible. It is a sin to waste the valuable time of the Lord. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)Review authentic Salvation HERE.
As we reflect on the precious hours granted to us each day, let us commit to using our time wisely, not for selfish pursuits, but for the greater mission of embodying the indwelling Life of Christ. By dedicating ourselves to His purpose, we can make a meaningful impact on the world around us, spreading the indwelling Gospel of Yeshua. May our actions and choices reflect His teachings, and may we find fulfillment in serving others and advancing His kingdom. Let us purpose to live each moment with intention, guided by the divine presence within us. With that, avoid procrastination at all costs. The End Times Cultural Preeminent Darkness Series tackles demonic doctrines and movements that rise against Christianity head-on. While you would think Christians would be the example of battling the enemy's tactics, research proves they are not. Most integrate demonic doctrines into their lukewarm faith, resulting in a compromised testimony, causing the believer to fade into a social gospel. We are dedicating the year 2024 to battle such challenges. Join us every other Tuesday. On the off Tuesday, Dr. Phinney’s wife, Jane, will host her “My Heart Undressed” series.The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for subscribing to The End Times Chronicles. Your paid subscription helps us advance our non-profit’s mission. Dr. Stephen R. Phinney is dedicated to providing quality media and publications that advance the Life of Christ. Paid subscribers receive free eBooks, media content, and other free stuff.Hey, fellow writers/readers, would you be open to buying me a cup of coffee? Check out this fun way of supporting my writing: https://bmc.link/drphinney
|
Posts
