Why this topic?

Conversation. The exchange of value between two human beings. Webster's Dictionary defines a conversation as an "oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions or ideas." Essentially, a conversation is an exchange of ideas conducted between two people in an informal way. Now, why do I care to talk about conversations? They happen all the time around us. It's the basic principle that must occur in order for one idea from one person to fluently be transported to another. But what happens when those conversations become pointless? When there is no longer a topic of importance to discuss. Let's talk about it.

Of course, it is not in my right to classify which conversations are substantial and which are not. We're all human beings that enjoy talking about different things with different people. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. What I've observed over the years however, is that conversations have shifted. They've gone from talking about pressing issues to discussing the latest TikTok trend. Now, I would be hypocritical to say I've never been secluded from these types of talks before, I most definitely have. However, I find that conversations where both parties are present and engaged on a productive topic are the most enjoyable for me.  I love the feeling when my ideas are being challenged, and I'm required to look at them from a different perspective. It's like a giant Rubik's cube with infinite colors just sitting on the desk, waiting to be solved. It's almost enjoyable (maybe not that last example). In other words, I like having educated conversations. Now, what I'm not saying is that everyone around me should be discussing the meaning of life, and it sounds like Socrates and Pluto having a conversation (that would be awful). Most conversations that are had are surface level, to keep the interaction with the person positive. 

It's just simple chit-chat. But how do we turn those stagnant conversations into conversations of substance? Where both parties can extract themselves from the conversation and come out with an actual lesson. With a lesson that can be applied to their lives to make them better or that allows them to change their old habits. Nowadays, those conversations are rare. Is it possible that people no longer think in those regards? Is it that I can only acquire such conversation from a certain group of people? Or is there some sort of external force that is limiting me from reaching a conversation with real meaning? Let's find out.

What has caused this shift

What has now allowed for conversations to become less informative is the introduction to new innovative technology along with more information. Through the years, society has constantly been evolving and changing. We now have technologies that can process things faster than we can ever imagine. And with these new technologies, life has become easier and easier. People are becoming exposed to more information than they have ever been exposed to. With a single Google search or Chat GPT, they can find an answer that once took countless hours of reading and writing. We no longer have to read as much or dig through encyclopedias as our parents once had to do. The information is just there. However, the problem is not the way we get the information; it's how we use it. You would believe that because people are exposed to so much information, the conversations would inherently bring more insight and be more knowledgeable. However I would argue that this is simply not the case. With social media being a huge platform that grounds our lives, it's almost impossible to talk about things that truly have meaning. We are sometimes so focused on the next post that we forget about the one happening right in front of our faces. We decided not to take the chance to talk about something important. Instead, we scroll to the next TikTok influencer for hours, developing small thoughts in our brains that equate to practically nothing. 

So how do we CHANGE? (And if we can’t change it, how do we live with it?)

Now, there's no way for me to change it. Technology is here and very much present. However, I can advise simply taking the time to learn and talk about something new. Not every trend on TikTok must be the pivotal thing that makes someone unique. In essence, if that is all it took, everyone would be the same (which is slowly happening). Instead, talk about a topic that is out of the ordinary. That makes you think about your beliefs, values, and what you prioritize in your life. That way, we identify the true and essential things that make us human. Rather than being dictated by what a screen tells you. We are all unique and different. We need to remember it more often.