Americans suffer from ‘emotional attention deficit disorder’

By Abby Weinzer Lynx Editor

Ann Landers once said, “Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other.”

Internet, telephone, TV. Whatever the distraction, modern Americans are thrilled for the chance to get away from one another. Over the past 30 years, the level of human connection has dwindled significantly. Once upon a time, long ago, families sat around the dinner table and shared the events of their day.

I am well aware of the fact that the above sounds like the rants of a jaded old woman, and not the spunky cheers of a healthy young adult. But, it has become increasingly apparent to me that we are losing our collective sense of meaning and connection. Escapism through Internet relationships is one facet of America’s obsession with avoidance.

A simple family vacation used to define the term “getaway.” Now a getaway is as simple as sitting in front of the computer. Our easy access, do-it-yourself, all-you-can-eat culture has transformed us into islands unto ourselves.

Throughout history, the nuclear family has changed and the shift in its dynamics has made it harder to establish socio-political boundaries.

At one time, we killed our own food, made our own clothes and entertained ourselves using our imaginations.

We now stop by the local burger joint and scarf down meals that took 30 seconds for strangers to whip up, and we pay an additional $1.75 plus tax to giganto-size it.

Modern technology has given us the gift of numbness. What we can change is limited only by ourselves. We cannot change each other, only listen.

Americans seem to be suffering from “emotional attention deficient disorder.” We bounce from task to task without the deliberate intention each deserves.

In the short term, we truly are the “throw away generation.”

For the artists, educators and philosophers that inspire, there are people still paying attention. For the sincere musicians, the honest politicians and brutally honest public figures, there are people still listening. And for the leaders of tomorrow yet to take a stand, we are watching.

Last updated: March 28, 2002
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