High Sierra Topix

Rightstar-

You've mentioned that social media will likely evolve, and I agree, and hope. What I'm not clear on is how you see it being used to "connect to the natural world". I think that's partially what we're seeing now, and that's the problem we're discussing in the extent to which we're opening up opportunities through shared information. Google would propose doing it through a vast network of webcams and selfie stations. I'd like to think that you have a more productive approach. I want to try to understand your thoughts. What I'm wrestling with is in how the participants interface and all benefit in a perfect scenario. I see three levels: 1) Nature itself (it can present itself at face value, but it can't actively advocate on its own behalf), 2) those that have the, call it advanced knowledge of places they've experienced that can opt-in or opt-out of sharing that info...call them the "stewards"/guardians/gatekeepers, 3) those that seek to expand their knowledge and their opportunities for a more unique interaction with nature through those with that greater knowledge...objectively, broadly, maybe a little unfairly, call this third group "users", which may or may not be a net positive in the long run. This is what we have now, and I think the resolution of how this plays out is at the crux of the debate.

The players won't change, so what has to or should?

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First, what in the world are you doing up at 3AM!! LOL.

Your optimism reminds me of the "age of Aquarius" mentality we had in the late 1960's. We thought the world would become one big "love-in", peace and equality. It did not turn out that way. Actually, went the opposite direction. In our youthful optimism, we did not understand the real world, the upcoming globalization, commercialism, incivility, the fruits of progress flowing to the few. You say we will not heed authorities in the future; contrarily, I see the anti-establishment attitude more likely to slide towards authoritarianism.

Granted, I am a classic introvert- we tend towards pessimism (we call it realism). But I recently read the book "Quiet" and agree that extroverts and introverts need each other to balance each other. Your optimism keeps me from spiraling down into a total pessimistic view of the future. Would be nice if things turn out like you hope; I actually hope you are right, but I am not betting on it.