The TED talk of Harmut Rosa focuses on the consequences of an ever accelerating society. Today, according to Rosa, we move rapidly forward. At a pace so excessively high some segments of our world can't keep up with: we fish the ocean faster than new fish are born; our political system is behind and yesterday's technology already outdated. Our own psyche is subject to burn-outs, a signal to address the grimness of acceleration. What is the driving force? Fear of alienation and isolation, says Rosa.

To hear him speak is to acknowledge that his observation of our society (and many others) is absolute truth when we face today's situation: a pandemic has slowed down our lives. "Social acceleration" as such is not happening anymore, it might need a new definition after the Corona crisis. And I have come to the realisation it has taken over my life as well. I recognise the personal kick Rosa speaks about when new developments or events occur, paradoxically, I smell the fear of being left behind as well: "I believe we can reinterpret modern culture as being obsessed by the anxiety that the world might turn deaf and silent, it no longer speaks to us.”

We must note that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This talk ends optimistically and offers a possible answer to a burning question: 'What makes your life good? I reckon the current situation will give us more insight on what is really important for a "good" life. ⏤ Sophie van Lawick van Pabst, communication

View Why are we stuck behind social acceleration? by Harmut Rosa here

Why are we stuck behind social acceleration? was included in The Couch selection of Chapter 2WO Nicolás Jaar & Shock Forest Group.