In an age marked by rapid technological advancement, it’s evident that our children are navigating a reality that is worlds apart from the one we once knew. I reflect on my grandmother, whose generation, born into an internet-free world, grew into teenagers as phones became wireless, and matured into adulthood as phones became smart. If she were to come back to life today, the fact that a Scientologist was running the country would be a small shock compared to the lack of privacy to which we have become accustomed. The intrusive technology would overwhelm my dear grandmother. We, who currently count ourselves amongst the living, have become docile and complacent, and due to our inaction, have reached a point of no return. It no longer behooves us to fight the technological advances that the majority of the population craves.
As I share a simple bowl of cereal with my 7-year-old, I am struck by the profound differences in our experiences. He will grow up surrounded by brilliant innovations such as scanners, dream writers, and thought projectors, tools that will forever shape his perception of truth and reality. The availability of mind readers, ready to be administered by anyone, signifies a shift towards a transparent society. While some lament the loss of privacy, the benefits of this openness are unmistakable.
The eradication of violence due to thought crime detection and early identification of issues like drug addiction reflects a civilization that prioritizes accountability and honesty. This newfound transparency fosters either stronger familial bonds or a more straightforward path to separation. No longer can we hide behind facades of happiness; the ability to move on quickly from one partner to another has become more accessible without the previous pretense.
Today’s children are raised in an environment that differs significantly from our own. Teachers, once regarded with a sense of mystery, are now familiar figures seen in everyday settings. Parents are acknowledged as fallible beings, further leveling the playing field. The respect I once commanded from my oldest son has notably diminished since he received his first phone; he’s merely a participant in a society where curiosity about a grown-up’s lives, dreams, and faults is merely a download away.
As tempting as it may be to romanticize the simplicity of the past, there is no turning back to a bygone era. In an age dominated by scientific progress, I contemplate the implications of openly shared dreams and thoughts. The desire to erase my own dreams is palpable, and I doubt if naturally suppressing my darkest thoughts is even possible. Religious figures who some turned to for solace seem to have abandoned their posts, leaving flocks to navigate their “sinful” thoughts unguided and leaving the psychiatrists, despite being ignored by the current administration, in charge of miracles.
Science has become our last refuge, the very force that has propelled us into this uncharted territory. It is essential now more than ever to consider the funding of pharmaceutical solutions, such as Wellspun and its counterparts, which offer the potential to help manage intrusive thoughts. In a world stripped of secrets, we find ourselves yearning for the ability to conceal or remove at least some part of our inner dialogue. Mental health pharmaceuticals could provide the safe space we desperately need: a screen that blocks unwanted thoughts before they encroach upon our consciousness. Conservative entities and any remaining religious organizations, including Scientology, must reassess their stance on funding innovation and accessibility.
Society is adrift, struggling under the weight of anxiety that arises from our inability to control our own minds. The availability for others to witness our inner dialogues not only burdens our mental faculties but also strains our economy and public infrastructure. We are well past halting the technology, leaving us with one solution: the option for any rule-abiding citizen, regardless of economic status, to block their thoughts.
On Election Day, I encourage everyone to advocate for mental health by voting YES on Proposal 46: Federal Funding for Wellspun. It is time we embrace medical science in this brave new world and prioritize the mental well-being of our people. Together, we can forge a path towards a healthier life, not based on embarrassment or shame, but on a foundation of confidence and clarity.
