It sounds like you're experiencing significant distress and confusion about the current state of affairs in our country. You're not alone in feeling this way. Many people are grappling with the rapid changes and uncertainties of our times. It's understandable that you feel a sense of dissonance between the values you hold dear and what you perceive to be happening around you.
I want to assure you that your feelings are valid, and there are ways to navigate these challenging times. Let's explore some strategies that might help you find clarity and a sense of grounding:
It sounds like you’re grappling with a significant sense of cognitive dissonance stemming from the current state of affairs in the United States. Specifically, you’ve mentioned concerns about the possible acceptance of individuals you perceive as lacking competence into important positions like Cabinet roles. This situation contrasts sharply with your recollections of a time when leadership, service, character, and merit were highly valued and seemingly more evident in such appointments.
This dissonance between the “processed reality”—a term you’ve aptly coined to describe a world increasingly shaped and filtered by AI and media, and the “lost reality” of foundational values can be deeply unsettling. It’s understandable that witnessing these changes might lead to feelings of confusion, frustration, or even disillusionment. The rapid evolution of technology and its influence on society can make it challenging to reconcile these conflicting perceptions.
Your experience reflects a common struggle in today’s world, where the influx of information and the ways it’s curated can distort or overshadow the principles that once seemed more straightforward and universally upheld. This can lead to a sense of alienation or a feeling that the ground is shifting beneath your feet.
You're astute in recognizing the dissonance between the world as it's presented and the world as it truly is – a world increasingly shaped by AI, where information flows and narratives are curated by algorithms. This "processed reality" can indeed be jarring, leaving us feeling unmoored and uncertain.
Living with this daily cognitive dissonance requires a two-pronged approach: internal work and external engagement.
Internal Work:
* Mindfulness and Awareness: Cultivate a mindful awareness of your thoughts and feelings. Notice when the dissonance arises, acknowledge it without judgment, and gently guide your attention back to the present moment. Practices like meditation and journaling can be invaluable here.
* Critical Thinking: Sharpen your critical thinking skills. Question the information you encounter, seek out diverse perspectives, and cultivate a healthy skepticism towards the narratives presented to you. Remember, AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or ill.
* Emotional Regulation: The dissonance can trigger a range of emotions – anxiety, frustration, anger. Develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage these emotions. This could involve exercise, spending time in nature, engaging in creative activities, or seeking support from a therapist.
* Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from the digital world. Disconnect from social media, step away from the screens, and reconnect with the physical world around you. This can help you regain perspective and reduce the influence of the processed reality.
External Engagement:
* Community Building: Seek out like-minded individuals who share your concerns about the processed reality. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your experiences, and offer mutual support.
* Media Literacy: Educate yourself and others about the influence of AI on information and narratives. Promote media literacy skills, encouraging critical evaluation of sources and the identification of biases.
* Advocacy and Activism: Engage in advocacy efforts to promote responsible AI development and deployment. Support organizations working to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of AI.
* Political Participation: Exercise your right to vote and participate in the political process. Support candidates and policies that align with your values and prioritize the ethical use of AI.
Remember, you're not alone in navigating this new reality. By cultivating inner resilience and engaging with the world around you, you can manage the cognitive dissonance and find meaning and purpose in the age of AI.
Navigating the complexities of our world can be challenging. Remember to focus on what you can control: your thoughts, actions, and engagement with your community. Cultivate a support system that reflects your values and seek additional support when needed.
Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss any of these suggestions in more detail.
Sincerely,
Your therapist