Philosophy and Ethics
Mohamedarif Mohamed Suleman (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a digital marketing specialist and an Educator-cum-Trainer. He has involved himself in community organisations and matters from a young age, and through his writings, continues to speak of social and cultural reform to this day. He is also the founding moderator of this forum.
The growing dependence on technology in the current digital era is changing the way we reason, think, and reflect. But our ability to get insight – the capacity for precise awareness and in-depth knowledge – is being severely harmed by this move toward instant information access and quick communication. “One who acts not according to insight is like the one who keeps the wrong way,” as Imam As Sadiq (AS) so eloquently put it. Therefore, they will be farther behind (from their target) the faster they proceed. This insightful comment emphasises how crucial understanding is in directing our activities toward our objectives. In this essay, I will contend that the loss of insight brought on by technology’s ubiquitous effect is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed right away.
One who acts not according to insight is like the one who keeps the wrong way – Imam As Sadiq (AS)
The claim that technology is eroding our abilities to think critically, reflect deeply, and reason effectively is supported by various studies and observations. The constant stream of notifications, the pressure to respond instantly, and the reliance on digital solutions for every problem are cultivating a culture of haste and superficiality. This environment discourages contemplation and deep engagement with ideas, instead promoting impulsive reactions and decisions. For instance, the immediacy of digital communication often leads to knee-jerk responses rather than thoughtful deliberation. According to the Imam´s advice, insight is particularly crucial for the young, who are often passionate and sometimes hasty. Without insight aligned with reason, passion can lead to missed opportunities and misguided actions.
One of the primary reasons technology undermines insight is its impact on cognitive processes. When faced with decisions or problems, individuals are increasingly inclined to seek quick digital solutions rather than engage in thoughtful deliberation. This reliance on technology reduces the need for personal reflection and reasoning, diminishing the practice of using insight to navigate life’s complexities. The consequence is a potential increase in individuals straying from the right ways of righteousness and truth due to a lack of insight-guided actions, leading to regression of their goals. Furthermore, the effects of diminished insight due to technology are visible in various aspects of life, including education, professional settings, and personal relationships.
The effects of diminished insight due to technology are visible in various aspects of life, including education, professional settings, and personal relationships.
It is crucial to develop methods that balance the tendencies that digital technologies foster to lessen the detrimental effects of technology on insight. Deep thought exercises, meditation, and mindfulness can all help people become more alert and insightful. In addition to technological competence, educational systems and social norms must prioritise the development of insight. People can better align their behaviours with reason, stay ahead of the curve, and arrive at their true destinations by appreciating insight and applying it to their daily lives.
Some may argue that technology is a neutral tool and that its impact depends on how it is used. However, the inherent nature of technology, particularly its emphasis on speed and immediacy, tends to promote a culture of superficiality and haste. While it is true that technology can be used to enhance knowledge and facilitate deep thinking, the prevailing trend suggests that it is contributing to the erosion of insight.
Some may argue that technology is a neutral tool and that its impact depends on how it is used.
In the end, the necessity of insight in guiding our actions is more pertinent in the current tech-driven era. The evidence and reasoning presented in this essay demonstrate that technology’s pervasive influence is eroding our abilities to think deeply, reflect meaningfully, and reason effectively. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of insight and take proactive steps to cultivate it. By doing so, individuals can navigate the complexities of life more effectively, making decisions that are guided by deep knowledge and awareness, ultimately leading to more fulfilling outcomes. The future of our ability to think critically and make informed decisions depends on our capacity to balance technological engagement with the cultivation of insight.
The future of our ability to think critically and make informed decisions depends on our capacity to balance technological engagement with the cultivation of insight.
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