By Editor 
Is there too much information for us to process nowadays? Are we multitasking too much that it interferes with our daily lives? Will there be a time when we opt for cyberman technology and just get the information downloaded into our heads?
Recently, I came across a National Geographic article about ‘urgency culture’, a concept that really resonated with me, especially as I was reflecting on burnout and the overwhelming amount of information we process daily. This topic connects directly to my upcoming PhD work in psychology, which will explore how information overload and our perceptions shape our lives in a hyper-connected, fast-paced world. With artificial intelligence becoming part of our daily routines, I often wonder whether society is truly ready for this shift, or if we need to slow down and focus on deeper issues first.
We are always on, in a hyper-connected society that drives us toward burnout, as we pressure ourselves to keep up with the relentless stream of information. It reminded me of a question my husband and I have debated, would you choose to face today’s personal and societal challenges, or would you rather live in a survival scenario? This is referring to a post-apocalyptic world and we were probably talking about this after an episode of The Walking Dead, but in that sort of world, all you have to do is focus on the basics, which is what our brain was supposedly designed for, to survive.
Personally, I’d stick with the present, because we still have the power to change course, even when things feel overwhelming.
Urgency culture is everywhere. Many of us watch TV while scrolling on our phones, only to realise several hours have passed. This kind of multitasking feels productive, but actually slows us down and increases stress.
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly a quarter of adults in the U.S. reported high stress levels post-pandemic, a 19% increase since 2019 with young people especially affected.
While the pandemic may have accelerated these pressures, the trend predates it. Society has been moving toward hypervigilance and urgency for years, as even old sci-fi shows predicted. Today, we’re constantly connected to our devices, so our brains rarely rest. This can reduce productivity by up to 40%, especially when we’re multitasking. For the hypersensitive or neurodivergent among us, this constant stimulation can be both a benefit and a burden: it can speed up learning, but also lead to exhaustion.
Our brains can only absorb so much. New research on reading and information processing suggests that certain training models can help people read faster and more efficiently, but this raises questions: Are we just cutting corners? Are we paying less attention, becoming quicker to react and more prone to misunderstanding?
Social media is a perfect example. Scan reading and rapid responses often lead to misinterpretation and conflict. Sometimes, the healthiest approach is to pause: read carefully before reacting, consider another perspective, and remember that not every post needs a reply.
The solution? Take a step back. Use technology mindfully. Don’t forget to rest, and learn from generations who lived without smartphones. Be grateful for what you have and celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
After years of working hard and delaying celebrations, my family recently took a long-awaited trip to the Caribbean. It was a reminder of the value of slowing down, appreciating life, and embracing new experiences.
In short, urgency culture is real, but we don’t have to let it control us. Slow down, take breaks, focus on what matters, and take care of yourself.
References:
‘Urgency culture’ might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it? National Geographic
Doctor Who – Rise of the Cybermen – Daily Download – Alternate Earth Earbud Tech, YouTube
Image by John Hain from Pixabay
K J Foxhall