In brief
Amidst our tech-driven lives, embracing authentically crafted cultural experiences can significantly improve our mental state, prompting a refreshing reassessment of the value we place on our media consumption.
As I settled into the front row of the Brooklyn Academy of Music for a recent performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” it struck me how visceral live theater can be. Watching Paul Mescal's Stanley Kowalski, I was captivated not just by his performance, but also by the raw energy and authentic craftsmanship that went into creating such art in real time. After a long period of experiencing creative works primarily through screens, the impact of witnessing live artistry was a welcomed reminder of its unique power.In the age of endless digital content, we often find ourselves appalled at the sheer volume of time we devote to screens, absorbing everything from social media updates to binge-watching series. My friend recently offered a piece of unexpected yet profound advice when I expressed feeling down: “Engage with things that someone put a lot of work into.” This advice challenged my usual justifications. Previously, I might defend my aimless scrolling through niche subreddits or enjoying Instagram Reels of adorable senior dogs as valid leisure time. However, by applying my friend’s guidance, I realized that many of my recent media habits—stuff that seemed harmless—were cluttering my mental space. Even seemingly benign content contributes to information overload, creating an emotional toll that is often unrecognized.As I refined my consumption habits based on this new filter, I noticed a marked improvement in my mood. The realization hit hard: it wasn't merely the content's nature that impacted my happiness; it was the volume and the incessant influx of it that overwhelmed my brain's capacity to process. By limiting inputs and focusing on content that reflects considerable effort and creativity, I carved out a clearer mental space.However, this approach raises important concerns. The subjective notion of what constitutes “a lot of work” varies widely, and many high-quality productions are often out of reach for those on tighter budgets, leading to a potentially exclusive circle of cultural consumption.As we navigate the complexities of our digital reality, perhaps we can find balance by curating our consumption toward engaging with genuine artistry, prioritizing not only our mental health but also enriching our understanding of and connection to the creative world around us.
