At the Risk of Sounding Like an Old Fogy

[DISCLAIMER]

Photo credit, fair use

A “fogy” is a person with old-fashioned ideas—usually used with the word “old.” This sort of person is perceived as being excessively old-fashioned, conservative, and resistant to change or new ideas. Thus, the term “old fogy” is used disapprovingly to describe one who clings to outdated beliefs and practices.

At the risk of sounding like an old fogy, when it comes to people and so-called smartphone or social media addiction, I don’t experience what is colloquially described as “empathy”—the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.

One logical and reasonable (collectively “rational”) explanation for this admission is that on a daily basis I practice Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) which is a psychotherapeutic modality that incorporates principles of Stoicism into this method of rational living.

Thus, I take personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”) for my reaction to things in life with which I find undesirable. In the same vein, I recognize that along with the limited control and influence I have in life, it isn’t as though I’m a victim to smartphones or social media. Neither are you.

After all, I’m the sole individual who assumes personal ownership over my behavior, as you could also do so. There isn’t anyone forcing us to use cellphones, TikTok, YouTube, Rumble, Facebook, Instagram, X, or other such platforms. Therefore, we can stoically control what we can, and simply disregard all else if we so choose.

Therein lies the crux of the matter: choice. We all make our choices, as some individuals knowingly, willingly, and actively choose to bow before their electronic gods while simultaneously bitching, whining, moaning, complaining, and whinging about how supposedly trapped they are by technology.

Thinking further about this matter, when in public I look around and see people bowing their heads when on their phones – much in the same way I used to peek around the auditorium during church services and witness people bowing their heads during prayer. The similarities are apparent.

At the risk of sounding like an old fogy, I reject the notion that people who worship at the altar of technology are doing so against their own free will, as I lack empathy in this regard. If you’re tired of serving your technological masters, perhaps you recommendatorily should take personal ownership of your own behavior.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

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