The Digital Shift and the ''Terminator 1'' Way of Thinking
The Digital Shift and the Terminator 1 Way of Thinking
In today’s hyper-connected world, social media and online presence define much of human interaction. However, there exists an alternative way of living—one that predates the internet and digital culture. This perspective, which could be called the Terminator 1 way of thinking, aligns with a world where people engaged directly, relationships were formed in person, and personal existence was not constantly broadcasted online.
The Pre-Digital Existence
Born in 1972, I experienced a world before social media, mobile phones, and YouTube. In the 1980s, if you did not personally know someone, you knew very little about them. There were collective social structures such as school, television, and communities, but these were fundamentally different from the way people exist today. Social media has created an alternative form of existence where interactions and even personal identity are often shaped through an online lens.
When I left YouTube and stopped doing updates, I experienced a fundamental shift. I returned to a way of living that resembled the pre-digital era. My mobile phone is off most of the time, checked only occasionally when needed. This has allowed me to detach from the collective digital social existence that now defines much of human interaction. Interestingly, when I stopped updating on YouTube, no one contacted me through my listed email. It was as if, without regular online presence, I no longer existed within that digital ecosystem.
The Influence of Digital Culture
Social media’s influence is so strong that people live within it without fully realizing its effect. It shapes what they trust, how they come to conclusions, and how they interact. This influence is not consciously seen by those immersed in it, making it even more pervasive. Unlike in the 1980s, where influence came through schools, TV, and real-world interactions, today’s influence is digital and can even be AI-regulated.
YouTube, particularly live streaming, adds another layer to this immersion. Streaming is an unedited, real-time experience that deepens digital existence. It reinforces the idea that people must be constantly visible and interactive to remain part of the collective. This creates a world where not updating means vanishing in the eyes of the digital community.
The Vulnerability of Digital Relationships
One of the dangers of digital existence is exposure. In pre-digital times, relationships were private, and conflicts were limited to personal circles. Today, online interactions mean that relationships and personal matters can be made public at any time, potentially shaping a person’s online identity indefinitely. Google searches and social media archives ensure that past interactions can follow a person indefinitely.
Younger generations, having never lived in a pre-digital world, do not have a direct reference for an alternative existence. While they may seek ways to escape digital dependence, it is fundamentally different from those who have lived before the internet. My ability to disconnect comes from having personally experienced a world without digital immersion, something that younger people do not have as a baseline. They may find other ways to disconnect, but it will never be a return to something they previously knew.
Conclusion
The Terminator 1 way of thinking represents a form of existence that does not rely on constant digital interaction. It is an alternative to a culture that expects continuous updates, engagement, and public exposure. While many live entirely within the digital ecosystem, those who remember the pre-digital world have the ability to step away and live differently.
As society moves further into a digital reality, the ability to exist outside of it may become increasingly rare. However, understanding this shift and recognizing the power of stepping back can be a valuable perspective in maintaining personal independence and deeper real-world connections.