Exploring Timeless Time: A Reflection on 2022 and Beyond
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Understanding Timeless Time
In the year 2022, I became increasingly aware of what I refer to as "timeless time." This notion did not originate with the Covid-19 pandemic; rather, the pandemic intensified our recognition of it. The rise of on-demand media and algorithms has transformed our perception of time, reshaping our daily experiences.
Marshall McLuhan, a prominent media theorist, articulated the idea that we now inhabit a world of "allatonceness." He noted that traditional notions of "time" and "space" have effectively dissolved, leading us to exist in a global village where events occur simultaneously.
McLuhan, who lived from 1911 to 1980, spoke about how television altered our understanding of time and space, creating a sense of immediacy. For instance, the Vietnam War was experienced not through delayed reports but via live broadcasts, collapsing the distance between events and viewers.
His famous adage, "The medium is the message," implies that the means of communication carries intrinsic significance. Less commonly quoted is his observation that "the medium is the massage," suggesting that our consumption of media reshapes us over time.
Neuroscience supports this idea, indicating that our brains are adaptable and can rewire themselves based on external stimuli. McLuhan foresaw how platforms like Facebook could alter our cognitive processes long before their inception.
The Pandemic's Role in Timeless Time
While many have attributed changes in our experience of time to the pandemic, I contend that it merely highlighted an existing phenomenon. The pandemic stripped away annual markers such as holidays and family gatherings, as well as daily routines, leading to a blurred perception of time.
Even as society reopened in 2021, the sensation of timelessness persisted. Although we regained our time markers, our heightened awareness of time's fluidity remained.
On-Demand Media: A New Era
The advent of on-demand streaming has significantly transformed our relationship with time. I recall eagerly awaiting my favorite cartoons as a child, while my son is bewildered by the notion of scheduled programming.
Now, I can curate my viewing experiences, selecting only what I wish to watch, while algorithms tailor my interactions online. This personalization creates a scenario where I might binge an entire season of a show in a matter of hours, compressing years of narrative into a single viewing session.
Music, too, has become endlessly accessible, allowing me to relive the sounds of my youth without any urgency. With everything readily available, the concept of time feels irrelevant; movies and albums linger indefinitely, waiting to be consumed at my convenience.
The Pursuit of Timefulness
I believe the surge in mindfulness practices isn't solely a response to anxiety but rather a yearning for a genuine engagement with time. Mindfulness offers a way to reconnect with the present and experience the natural flow of time.
Consider the evolution of Taylor Swift's musical journey, where she infuses her albums with references to her past, anchoring her audience in meaningful experiences. Similarly, "The Rings of Power" portrays character development that evokes a sense of timefulness.
Throughout 2022, I often found myself adrift in time, yet the most fulfilling moments arose when I was fully present with my family or immersed in creative pursuits. As we look forward to 2023, may we embrace the concept of timefulness.
In the video "Talent Is Timeless 2022 Winners - Radio Stranger," you can explore the incredible journeys of individuals who exemplify the spirit of timeless talent.
The episode "Catch and Released | Timeless with Julie Hartman -- Ep. 6" delves into the evolving narratives in our culture and how they shape our understanding of time.
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