A word of caution about our genetic programs. When we breed for speed, we breed as well for very specific kinds of decisions. Speed chops out, edits out certain kinds of reflexive choices and long term consideration. Everything becomes the decision of the moment.
--Jesus Lewis, The E-Clone Directive
One of the most dire consequences of the ever-increasing pace of information lies in the way it structures cognitive processes. To deal with the requirement for quick choices, the tendancy to rely upon one's emotional short hand for judgement becomes ever more common. "Going with your gut" enables decisions to be rendered almost instantly about topics both complex and simple; topics that are well understood and those that are nearly beyond comprehension. However, this auto pilot thinking comes at a significant cost- the sacrifice of discernible logic and reason.
Reflexive choices and long term considerations are put aside in the rush to judgement. More often than not, people are loath to admit to mistakes made in the heat of the moment- despite the unintended consequences and damage caused by such hasty assessments. The tendency to become emotionally invested in such decision making processes precludes the objective assessments of their veracity, and thus integrates faulty thinking into ones self perception. Bogged down by a belief arrived at impulsively, mired under the weight of egotistical pride and intellectual inflexibility, one becomes trapped by a morass of thoughtlessness; floundering in a self created quagmire.
The actions of an instant bind one to permanent repercussions of damage and destruction.
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