It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. - Revelation 13:16-17
This article and the accompanying short story aim to shed light on the potential risks associated with technology, particularly when it's misused. As someone who has battled addiction, I recognize the signs when I see them. According to recent data (see below), the amount of time people spend on smartphones more than tripled from 2012 to 2019. I am sure that number has done nothing but increase since 2019.
I find it interesting to note that 2012 was the last time we were inundated with doomsday prophecies due to the end of the Mayan calendar. As we all know, the world didn't end then. However, in 2024, there's a different vibe. Talk of World War III and the rise of AI dominance fills the air, alongside the growing epidemic of depression and loneliness in what's considered the greatest country in history.
One particular company that gives me pause is Neuralink, owned by Elon Musk. While their goal of creating an embedded brain chip (see video above for more) to aid paralyzed individuals is admirable, I think about the potential implications. As history has shown, technology tends to become cheaper and more accessible over time, leading to widespread adoption. But where does it end? What are the long-term consequences for society?
When I founded Bay Flavor Projects, one of my intentions was to encourage people to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of God's creation. For me, fulfillment comes from simple joys like a day at the beach, a stroll through the park, or a heartfelt conversation without the distraction of technology. Prayer and faith also play a significant role in finding fulfillment and meaning in life.
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