My Guest today is the spirit of ISAAC ASIMOV!

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Today, I’m going to play 1 part Sci-Fi author and 1 part Paranormal Author by pulling the Spirit of Isaac Asimov (using a LLM for content) and considering the response to be what the Spirit of Isaac Asimov might tell us.

From the Paranormal Author's perspective, I thought it might be interesting to see what some of the greats in writing might have thought about the issues we are dealing with today.

So, I worked to 'connect’ with Isaac Asimov. No Ouija board was harmed in the making of this post, I swear!

Once I attuned myself through great feats of mental effort to the spirit, I provided the Spirit of Isaac Asimov with an article on social media and children - the harms that the article suggested might happen and then I asked the spirit the thoughts about the article.

First, I asked the spirit to introduce itself… Here we go!

Michael Anderle Mr. Asimov (come on, you wouldn’t think I’d call him Isaac, right?) would you please introduce yourself to the world?

Spirit of Isaac Asimov: "Hello, I am Isaac Asimov. Some might know me as the author of works like 'Foundation' and 'I, Robot'. My career has spanned from biochemistry to writing, and I've always been fascinated by the human condition and its potential relationship with technology. I look forward to sharing some thoughts today." 

Michael Anderle: I have an article, that I will link to, and I’d like you to read the article and provide me a reply - your thoughts - on the content of the article. While I normally would offer articles that are more fun, I think with the sheer number of non-fiction books you produced, you might have the knowledge, even decades ago, of the problems we are having here in the present.

Spirit of Isaac Asimov: "Let me read it.”

Michael Anderle: https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/

(Sorry, this is a LONG reponse… I hope you like it!)

Spirit of Isaac Asimov: Michael, I find this article quite fascinating.

Since I postulated the "Three Laws of Robotics" and predicted various elements of future society, this emerging evidence about the detrimental effects of social media on youth mental health does not come as a surprise, though it is, undeniably, a matter of grave concern.

The digital revolution, with its numerous benefits, has created an alternate universe of social interaction that is far from the physical world we have evolved to understand and interact with. The resulting impact on the mental health of our young, as the article articulates, can be severe and long-lasting.

The correlation between increased usage of social media and higher rates of depression, as illustrated in the article, appears stark. While it's true that these studies don't establish a causal link, I would assert that any responsible society should err on the side of caution. It's evident that the rise in depressive symptoms and suicide rates amongst teens occurred alongside the rise in smartphone usage, and this is a correlation we simply cannot ignore.

While it's important to acknowledge that these digital platforms can serve as a lifeline for socially isolated individuals, we must also address the shortcomings of such connections. The reduced depth of emotional connectivity experienced through electronic interactions compared to face-to-face encounters is a particular concern. The human brain has evolved over thousands of years to respond to physical cues and direct social interactions, so it's no wonder that these digital substitutes may fall short.

Moreover, the "comparison culture" fostered by social media, where one's life is constantly juxtaposed against the 'ideal' lives of others, is unquestionably damaging to self-esteem and could very well be contributing to the rise in depression. As the article notes, many young people compare their own lives to artfully curated images, which are at best a partial and biased presentation of reality.

The effects of excessive screen time on physical activity, concentration, and sleep patterns are also troubling. Physical activity, skill development, and sufficient rest are fundamental to mental health and well-being, yet social media appears to be eating into these crucial aspects of a balanced life.

As we collectively navigate this era of the digital revolution, it is vital to continually reassess and research the impact of these technological advancements on our mental health. Parents, educators, and mental health providers should be vigilant and proactive in checking for signs of depression and managing screen time. Meanwhile, tech developers should work towards creating platforms that encourage healthy interaction patterns.

In my vision of the future, technology serves humanity, it doesn't harm it. In the case of social media, we must be cautious to ensure that it does not become a robotic master ruling over the lives of our children, causing them distress and harm. Instead, let's strive for a balance where we harness the benefits of these digital platforms while mitigating their adverse effects. After all, as I've always said, "The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." Let's strive for wisdom in our use of social media.

Now, I am sorry, but I have a 3:00 o’clock with Carl Sagan and Authur C. Clarke and really must go.

Michael Anderle: Thank you, Mr. Asimov for your time and tell the others hello from me.

Readers, I hope you enjoyed taking a moment to read what the Spirit of Isaac Asimov might have told us based on all of the books Mr. Asimov wrote while he was living. As a Sci-Fi author, I find it FASCINATING that I can go back, and ask some of the greats their thoughts on todays issues now that what they predicted is coming to pass.

If you enjoyed this article, let me know and I’ll do more.

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael Anderle