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When paradox strikes: The problem with techology

MARQUETTE – Paradox seems to live at the heart of human endeavors, like a joke nobody’s in on.

Recently, I saw a pair of girls, about 11 or 12 years old, walking in the sunshine on a perfect summer day.

But neither laughed or spoke or changed the plod of their pace. They stared down into the palms of their hands, where a universe we could never have imagined just 15 years ago unfurled for them individually with each tap and swipe of a screen. Magic, by any pre-modern standards.

But their faces betrayed no amazement or awe, just a blankness, puncuated by the brief shadow of a frown or smile.

They walked past me in silence, not seeing me or one another, deaf and blind to the birds rejoicing in the treetops and the cars barreling past them.

They were plugged into a network that unites the whole world, that shrinks distance impossibly and instantly links together the minds of two or ten or millions of people.

The Internet fosters unprecedented connection and communication. So how can those things also be the price we apparently pay for it?

Our predecessors set out to build a civilization that improved the quality of life for all – that made things easier – and they succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Yet, who among us is at ease?

So often, we strive for the things we expect to make us happy, only to find we are dissatisfied. That’s because there’s only one thing worse than not getting what you want, and that’s actually getting it.

Paradox saturates. We want what we can’t have and don’t want what’s here. What feels good at the outset is harmful down the line. Too much feels like not enough, and how often does love turn to fear, jealousy and hatred – sometimes in a flash?

We live in a world of contradiction. Sadness allows for happiness and death allows for life. That these two girls could be simultaneously connected and disconnected at the same time is new and not new, beneficial and problematic, all at once.

But by being aware and honest about the problems, we can build solutions. Later, somebody’s grandchildren may have the chance to take our solutions for granted, like we no doubt do.

Until then, just try to notice the paradox and be in on the joke, even though we all may be at the butt of it.

Editor’s note: Mary Wardell can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248.

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