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How We Lost Ourselves to Technology--and How We Can Come Back

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. lves-to-technology-and-how-we-can-come-back.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 5:48 GMT by thefp.com
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How We Lost Ourselves to Technology and What It Means for Our Future

The recent column on The FP—“How we lost ourselves to technology and what that loss looks like”—offers a sobering look at the everyday ways our devices have reshaped the human experience. From the moment we turn on our phones in the morning to the last notification before bed, the article paints a picture of a society that has been drawn into a relentless cycle of attention grabbing, constantly mediated by screens.

The Attention Economy: A Modern Parasite

The article opens with a vivid anecdote about a young professional who, after finishing a meeting, checks a series of messages before realizing that a single notification can cost them valuable time and mental bandwidth. The writer explains that this phenomenon is not random but the product of a carefully engineered “attention economy.” Silicon Valley’s designers have refined algorithms that keep users engaged for as long as possible, feeding on the very human urge to seek validation and novelty. By the time the reader reaches the middle of the column, the piece cites a Pew Research Center study that found that 72% of adults in the U.S. now check their phones at least 50 times a day, and that this hyper‑connectivity correlates with increased feelings of anxiety and loneliness.

The Human Cost: Loss of Presence and Empathy

A key theme is the erosion of presence in our interactions. The article quotes Sherry Turkle, a professor at MIT, who argues that our “emotional bandwidth” is being drained by a stream of messages and notifications. Turkle’s TED Talk—linked within the column—offers concrete examples of how digital communication can produce a “lonely paradox,” where we are more connected than ever but increasingly isolated. The writer also references Turkle’s book Alone Together, summarizing her argument that technology is making us less capable of genuine empathy, because we no longer practice the subtle art of reading body language and tone.

Societal Shifts: Work, Education, and Politics

The writer takes the discussion beyond the individual and into the macro‑level. Remote work, once a niche trend, is now a standard expectation in many industries, and it comes with its own set of challenges: blurred boundaries, constant availability, and “Zoom fatigue.” In the education sector, the shift to digital learning platforms has led to a generation of students who are adept at multitasking but often lack deep focus. Politically, the column notes that the same algorithms that keep us engaged also funnel us into echo chambers, reinforcing polarization. The article cites a World Economic Forum report that warns of the risks of “algorithmic governance” if these systems are not regulated.

Environmental Impact

An often overlooked consequence is the environmental cost. The manufacturing, shipping, and disposal of electronic devices contribute significantly to carbon emissions and e‑waste. The column quotes a 2023 study by the United Nations that estimates that the global e‑waste market will double by 2030 unless action is taken. The writer emphasizes that our digital addiction is not just a mental or social problem—it also has a tangible impact on the planet.

Paths Forward: Digital Minimalism and Policy

The article concludes on a constructive note. It introduces the concept of digital minimalism, popularized by Cal Newport in his book of the same name (linked in the article). Newport argues that by curating our digital lives—selecting only those tools and platforms that add real value—we can reclaim our attention and focus. The column also highlights policy proposals: stronger privacy laws, clearer algorithmic transparency, and incentives for companies that prioritize user well‑being over engagement metrics.

The writer ends with a call to action, urging readers to reflect on their own habits and to consider whether the technology they use truly serves them or merely keeps them distracted. The piece serves as both a diagnostic of the problem and a blueprint for a healthier relationship with the devices that have become integral to our daily lives.

In summary, The FP column offers a comprehensive exploration of how technology has become a pervasive force that shapes cognition, emotion, society, and the environment. By weaving together personal anecdotes, academic research, and policy discussions, it creates a compelling narrative that asks the reader: are we living in the presence of technology, or has technology come to live in the presence of us?