Transforming Lives: The Impact of Technology on the Human Experience

In 1890, philosopher William James wrote, “My experience is what I agree to attend to.” He was exploring what shapes our understanding of the world. Fast forward to today, and this question feels more pressing than ever as technology mixes reality with a digital facade.

New books like The Sirens’ Call by Chris Hayes and The Extinction of Experience by Christine Rosen highlight how our attention and experiences, key parts of being human, face serious challenges. They argue that the rapid pace of tech development over the past few decades is changing our daily lives—and not for the better. Instead of the hopeful beginnings of the internet, many now feel trapped by their screens, even as they recognize its downsides. This need for balance shows in the parenting choices of those in Silicon Valley, who often limit their kids’ screen time, urging them to read books and play games instead.

Rosen, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, highlights that too much time in front of screens can lead us to experience life indirectly. We care more about posting pictures of our meals and vacations than enjoying them in the moment. We struggle to read emotions when communicating via screens, losing real connections. Even typing instead of writing by hand reduces our body’s connection to our learning processes.

Hayes, a host on MSNBC and author of a book on American meritocracy, argues that many of us no longer experience life for ourselves. He points out that existing online often means seeing ourselves through others’ eyes, which can distort our personal experiences.

Rosen expresses concern about the loss of civility in public life, which relies on real human interactions. She believes that instant access to information promotes impatience and rudeness, making us less aware of others in our surroundings.

Her book centers on daily experiences, critiquing tech leaders like Marc Andreessen, who proposes that virtual experiences might be better than reality itself. She argues that defending our connection to the real world is crucial for a healthy future, yet she stops short of addressing the economic barriers that limit many from accessing enriching experiences.

Hayes provides a sharper perspective on our current struggles, dubbing this period the “attention age.” With endless information, everyone’s vying for our focus. As a result, we may lack the ability to engage critically with any topic. He compares today’s distracted public to the engaged audiences of the past, like during the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, suggesting we can no longer concentrate long enough for such discussions.

The obsession with attention impacts politics, too. Hayes asserts that Donald Trump’s political success stems from his ability to captivate attention rather than engage in genuine persuasion, largely due to his skillful use of social media.

Today’s online platforms focus solely on maximizing attention for profit, neglecting meaningful conversations. This challenges our civic life and democracy.

So, what can we do? While both authors lack a definitive solution, Rosen suggests reviving real human experiences through art and community. Hayes advocates for a quieter mindset, encouraging us to reclaim our focus on what truly matters.

A refreshing contrast is Pico Iyer’s book, Learning from Silence, where he shares insights from retreats in a California monastery. For over 30 years, Iyer has spent time in silence, discovering that being present leads to deeper awareness of life.

What drew Iyer to the monastery was not tech concerns, but wildfires that destroyed his home. For a modest fee, he found peace at the New Camaldoli Hermitage, where silence hummed with life rather than emptiness.

Iyer learns that silence provides space for thoughtful consideration rather than merely getting tasks done. This contemplative approach helps him engage more meaningfully with the world and the people around him.

In a silent monastery, Iyer forms deep connections with the monks, illustrating that authentic experiences require intentional effort, a lesson both Hayes and Rosen emphasize. Their recognition of the challenges tech poses to real human connections is vital, yet Iyer offers a clearer path to achieving the deep interactions we crave in our fast-paced world.

In Iyer’s journey, beauty and quiet reflection emerge as essential elements. He finds solace in simple moments, seeking out peaceful spaces and enjoying calming music. Although life remains imperfect, he learns not to take everything so seriously and to appreciate the world in a balanced way.

The Sirens’ Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource by Chris Hayes, Penguin Press, $32/ Scribe, £20, 336 pages

The Extinction of Experience: Reclaiming Our Humanity in a Digital World by Christine Rosen, Bodley Head, £22/ WW Norton, $29.99, 272 pages

Learning from Silence: Lessons From More Than 100 Retreats by Pico Iyer, Cornerstone Press, £16.99/ Riverhead Books, $30, 240 pages

Jane Shaw is a Professor of the History of Religion at the University of Oxford.