If you could un-invent something, what would it be?

Amitesh Jasrotia

Jan 20

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a fascinating prompt online: "If you could un-invent something, what would it be?" It kind of tickled my imagination and I decided to take a dip into this thought experiment.

What if we could reach back through the annals of history and un-invent something? What if you were to hit the ctrl+z on a piece of technology or an idea but with worldwide implications?

Without poring over it too much, I am going to write about the first three things that occur to me:

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

First up, is the controversial yet ubiquitous social media. It's a global stage where everyone's a star, but sometimes the spotlight burns.

Studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and an increase in mental health issues, particularly among the younger population.

Many psychologists have highlighted the darker side of social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with rising mental health concerns among the young audience. Some have even pleaded for the deletion of social media accounts.

The constant comparison and need for validation can lead to increased feelings of inadequacy and anxiety among users.

According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, about 45% of teens say they feel overwhelmed by the drama on social media.

Plastic: Convenience at a Cost

One of my favorite authors Vaclav Smil calls Plastic one of the four pillars of modern civilization. Plastic is the material we love to hate but can't seem to live without.

Its invention revolutionized the world and made products more affordable and accessible. However, the dark side of this convenience is the environmental impact.

The United Nations Environment Programme states that around 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced every year, a figure that's set to triple by 2050 if current trends continue.

And let's not forget those heartbreaking images of marine life entangled in plastic. It makes you think, would sushi taste better if we hadn't invented plastic?

Nuclear Weapons: The Ultimate Paradox

Moving on, let's tackle something more controversial – nuclear weapons.

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, which led to the deaths of over 200,000 people, are stark reminders of the devastating power of nuclear weapons.

While nuclear weapons have been a deterrent in some respects, their existence has also led to a constant state of fear and a dangerous arms race among nations.

An officer checking nuclear warheads. Uninvent something

There are over 13,000 nuclear warheads in the world today, according to the Federation of American Scientists. Thus, the risk of a catastrophic event, whether by accident or design, is a sword of Damocles hanging over humanity's head.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of un-inventing something has its allure, it's also a complex and multifaceted issue. Whether it's social media, plastic, or nuclear weapons, each has dramatically shaped our world, for better or worse.

So, as we sip on our ethically sourced, organic coffee, let's ponder this – is it about un-inventing, or is it more about reinventing the way we use these inventions? Now, that's food for thought!

What would you choose to un-invent?