Having asked many folks about a fractious society in our world, apparently, many of you agree. Why is this so, and what have we done to deserve it? After all, we want to get on with our lives. No matter what age group, gender, place, or country, we seem to be experiencing similar phenomena.
Here are some examples. You must use a call centre because there is no other avenue to pay a bill or find information, so you wait and wait and… well, you know the rest. Having gone into a shop, a commercial company, or a local council several times, you are told there is an undue hold-up due to delays. After months to obtain the item or plans approved you give up.
Your doctor has decided to retire, and why not after all they have been your family doctor not only to you but to your parents. To upset you, your doctor explains the whole medical business is closing, and no health professionals are on the horizon. A real story from East Devonport amongst others across the nation.
Being a middle-aged man who likes to watch the news on TV, you must agree with your wife she will not watch the news anymore, as it is far too distressing.
Your daughter gives you a ‘headache’ and will not listen to your sound judgment that being bullied on ‘Tick-Tock’ is not only addictive and damaging but also foolish to continue, using the social media platform.
As a senior citizen, you have repeatedly explained to your retired husband he must do something like a hobby or belong to a club, otherwise, their strained relationship will deteriorate further. There was a rent hike last month for the grandson. Student fees also increased which means, can we help?
Oh yes, there is more! Have you noticed your favourite snacks and household items are getting smaller? And your bill at the checkout is getting more expensive? This is called ‘shrinkflation’ and it is not only the supermarkets but includes banks, energy providers, and airlines, among others.
Welcome to the 21st century! So, what are the causes, and who is to blame? You can make your mind up on this, and there is no one solution. You may disagree with some of the selected however one thing is for sure, individuals are being sought and caught out by those who have the power.
Here are some reasons and this came from the ‘Financier Worldwide Magazine’ 2024. Ukraine and Gaza wars, COVID-19, Corporations not willing to take global risks, cyber-attacks, Climate Crises, and of course the cost of living, among others.
The ‘World Economic Forum’ in Davos in 2022 also stated not much had changed. Information technologies continue to give out false information. Political divisions are exacerbated by party politics, especially in democratic countries. Then there is the schism between one global set of nations of China, Russia, and Iran and the Democratic countries like us in the ‘West’.
Lastly, ‘Future Learn’ published in 2021 suggested some of the causes in society. Misinformation and tribal behaviours on what they call the ‘spliternet’ (nice choice). And tensions over environmental and political debates that ‘wedge’ countries. Also concerns over new technologies such as AI, activism by various social groups that give rise to tensions, and warnings over new diseases and pandemics.
Gosh, there is much to absorb here! One may wonder where things are going, and when will it end. In the spectrum of human Endeavor, there have been and always will be challenges. We just happen to be at the start of the current one and for us, we may believe this is unfair, terrible, or wrong.
Why not reflect upon others trapped in wars, abject poverty, being a refugee, or a huge financial loss? Are we not all caught up in the moment? No one forces us to use the internet, to get bullied, or to say nasty things. Don’t become addictive. Which reminds me if your food shopping is costing you more, what are you willing to forgo, for example, a cartoon of coke? If grandparents are finding online banking risky especially having been ‘hacked’, help them. If it is costing you more to drive your car then share it with others in your family or those who live and work nearby. Lastly, take a deep breath and smile, you are alive!