The De-Evolution of Modern Man (& Woman)

The unfortunate part about climbing a mountain is that inevitably you are going to have to come back down. You reach the top, enjoy the view for a while, and then begin the trek downward. Sometimes the journey down is pleasant, the terrain is smooth and gradual, and you arrive at the bottom relaxed and ready for another adventure. Other times the journey down is steep, rocky, and your toes are continually jammed into the front of your boots, causing immense discomfort and a sworn declaration to never go hiking again.

In this “theory,” I will argue that modern man has reached the top of the mountain, and while we may be enjoying the view at the moment, soon we’ll be heading back down. The trek downward will be gradual and seemingly pleasant, but I am afraid we will find ourselves once again at the bottom, exhausted and perhaps even less prepared, or able, to attempt another hike.

End analogy.

THEORY: Modern man, through advances in technology, inter-personal communication, and thought, has reached the pinnacle of its being. Having reached the summit of the mountain, modern man is now beginning a “downward trek” (hereto referred to as “de-evolution”) into a less developed (less-evolved) state of mind and being. Ironically, the very advances that have brought us to the top are now bringing us back down.

First, a note on my terminology:

“De-evolution” – I just like this term. I know it’s not scientifically correct, but this is more of a social theory anyway. Just go with it.

To support my theory, I offer 5 areas of modern development in which our advances are beginning to produce negative effects, and thus cause us to de-evolve. Areas 1 & 2 provided the basis for this theory, and areas 3-5 are supplemental evidence.


#1 Inter-personal Communication

Facebook, AIM, Email, Gmail Chat, Texting, Blogging – what do these technologies have in common? We all use at least one of them (if not all), and they are all means of communication that do not involve actual person-to-person contact. These technologies were designed to easily connect us with those around us. And they do. But at what expense? From my observation and experience, our generation’s growing dependence on technology as a means for inter-personal communication is having a negative effect on our ability to communicate in the “real world” (i.e. in person). Examples:

1. For a sociology project during my freshmen year at college, I stopped using AIM for a month and a half. Aside from feeling withdrawn from the world (how would I know what people are up to if I can’t read their away messages?), I noticed that others felt withdrawn from me. On more than one occasion, someone asked “Where have you been lately?” The reality was that I had physically been around just as much as before, I just wasn’t online. I guess my online presence was more powerful than my physical presence. Interesting.

2. I lead a Bible Study for high schoolers. These kids are addicted to texting. I have had more than one occasion in which they would text me or another leader and have an ENTIRE CONVERSATION via texting, but as soon as you called them or tried to talk to them in person, they went silent. Texting had made them uncomfortable (and dare I say unable?) to communicate outside of technology.

3. I’ve had other experiences where people (usually high school girls) who talk their brains out on AIM won’t talk to you in person. It’s like they’re completely different people.

#2 Freedom of Thought

The ability to think freely, rationally, and independently is a hallmark of a modern, developed society. I don’t have solid evidence for this, but its just common sense (right Andrew?). Look at American society today. Open mindedness has come to be characteristic of those we see as intelligent, socially aware, advanced, etc. We like people who think for themselves and who can respect what others think. But there’s a point where being open minded becomes a problem. The biggest example of this I see is the loosening of what is deemed “right” and “wrong.” We live in an increasingly morally relativistic society in which right and wrong, good and bad, is slowly becoming a thing of the past. If you truly hold to a rigid system of right and wrong, then you are seen as close-minded, and thus looked down upon.

I would argue that a belief in right and wrong, good and bad, is what has helped move mankind onward. Without these systems in place, there would be no structure, no organization, and thus no society.

In the name of independence and freedom of thought, the very things that have made us into a modern and developed society will bring us back to a prehistoric mentality. We’ll all be cavemen again! I recognize that this is an extreme conclusion, but if you think about the logical conclusion of such free thinking and how it will affect our social structure, you may begin to see my point.

#3 Mobility

This falls under the broader category of technological advancement (as does interpersonal communication). Again, I have a couple examples of modern technologies that, while serving a beneficial purpose, also produce negative effects on mankind that will hurt us in the long run.

1. Elevators and escalators. We all use them. They’re an easy way to get to the 30th floor, or the 2nd if you’re that person that everyone on the elevator hates because you were too lazy to take the stairs. Or if you’ve been to an airport or amusement park with the moving walkways. Just get on, stand, and ride along – it’ll take you longer, but hey, its convenient! All of this is useful technology, but at what expense? Physical fitness. Yes, I know that walking up stairs is not the only means of physical activity in ones day, but its that much less than you would be getting. Think WALL-E. All those people floating around in their own personal hovercrafts. What happened to them? They’re all fat (not to mention they don’t know how to communicate with one another due to their dependence on computer screens as a primary form of communication).

2. Cars. Another great invention. Not knocking cars. But we’re getting less exercise. I drive to my gym, which is really only a 15 minute walk from my house. Why? Because I have the convenience and availability of a car.

Cars and elevators aren’t going to bring about the downfall of mankind, but in the long run, as we continue to have similar technological developments, they could end up doing more harm than good. Lets hope we don’t end up like the people in WALL-E.

#4 Dwelling

I live in a townhouse, literally attached to the people who live next to me. Everyone in my neighborhood is attached to someone else. But I’ve noticed something – no one seems to know one another! This is ironic, given that living closer would seem to increase the number of relationships you have with those around you. But on my street, at least, this doesn’t happen. (Or maybe it’s just me?) Could this be a trend in other close communities? Houses and neighborhoods are being built closer and closer to one another – but what about the person-to-person relationships? They seem to be weakening. See #1 above.

#5 Prescription Drugs

There are lots of amazing medical developments happening these days, not the least of which is the development of a drug for absolutely every condition that a human body can possibly develop. Do you breathe at night? There’s a drug to help you breathe better. Do you have pain in your joints? Drug for that. Do you have trouble keeping your legs still? Drug for that. Do you have snot in your nose? Drug for that. Does your CURRENT prescription medication not do enough? Well take another one.

There’s a drug for EVERYTHING, and what is disturbing is an apparent increase in the risk of serious side effects of these drugs. Listen to any prescription medication commercial. Side effects range from drowsiness, heart burn, digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, migraine, dry mouth, restlessness, difficulty breathing, joint pain and even death.

Is it worth it? The human body is already equipped to fight off disease and heal itself. With all the new drugs coming out, we’re not allowing the body to do its work. Yes, there’s a need for medication – but when do we stop and just our evolutionary heritage work for us? I’m afraid the advancements in medical technology and prescription drugs will certainly be adding years to our life, but given the negative effects of many other “developments” (medications included), I wonder what kind of life will be in these years.


I am well aware that I have not outlined the most thorough or convincing argument. I can see how it would be easy to get caught up in my examples and even some of the wording I used. My examples were not scientific and they were in large part from my own (subjective!) experience. I have drawn some extreme conclusions. Many correlations can be drawn, but the fact is that correlation does not imply causality, and there are many other factors that may contribute to some of the negative effects I have discussed.

But there is some truth to what I am saying.

The ability to effectively communicate with others, a system and belief in right and wrong, physical fitness, personal relationships, and good health, among other things – all of these are things that have brought mankind into modernity. I am afraid, however, that the very things that have allowed us to become who we are will eventually bring us back to a point at which we don’t want to be. I fear for the day when people no longer are able (or have a need) to communicate in real person-person contact, hold someone accountable for their actions, get around without their own personal hovercraft (I know, extreme), develop meaningful relationships, or live without the assistance of drugs and medical technologies. What kind of life would we be living?

So here are some questions to ponder:

- Do you believe there is a point where mankind can no longer advance?

- What other advancements in our modern world could potentially produce negative effects on mankind? At what point do the cons outweigh the pros?

- How can we counteract these negative effects, and thus still enjoy the convenience and usefulness of new developments in thought and technology?

- What other factors could be contributing to the negative examples I mentioned?

- When will Jesus come back and finally save us from our own self-destruction?

Discuss, disagree, counter-argue, complain, get angry, agree. Share your thoughts, before we’re unable to do so any more.