"Well...this is terrifying"

As I embark on my most ambitious writing venture yet, I have discovered things that I wish my readers to pay attention to. I am currently gathering research for my Master of Arts Dissertation in International Relations and European Politics, at one of the most uncertain times of modern human history. I have felt it so concerning, that I implore you to read (and watch) all the way to the very end. We live in quite frightening times. We are in an era of the unknown, and yet we carry on as normal - it's strange how conformed we are to routine, and again concerning. Given what I am about to present to you will probably feel like taking the red pill and falling down the rabbit hole. If you'd rather live in ignorance and bliss (good for you, know that I envy you), then take the blue bill and stop reading here. Ok, here goes...

Our security is at risk. National and International. Social media has enabled an environment of narcissism, which has allowed controlled manipulation to thrive. The cyber war has made it so that simply downloading an app to your phone, or even having a smartphone of any kind, can make you a victim of intelligence surveillance without your knowledge, whether by your own state or that of an enemy. According to Classical Realism theory, the international system is an anarchic one. The internet itself is an international system. We all live in this world daily, so we too ourselves live in an anarchic arena. Need I remind you of the earlier days of the internet? And because of this nationally is irrelevant as we all exist in the same digital space. Please keep in mind this is a global concern, which can have catastrophic worldwide consequences from states to the individual, you. Firstly, I will present to you the Pegasus Spy software that self-destructs on its own, is completely hidden and all they need is your phone number:

Well this is terrifying - Jake Tran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWtcRKRUWAo

If you're still reading, congratulations, I salute you for your bravery. Okay, so next, let's talk about TikTok... Now I never thought in my years I would ever find myself agreeing with Trump. But (and I can assure you it's a big but) he was right in calling for a ban on TikTok. Ah! I know. Ew. I'm so sorry, I really hate to ruin your day, but alas it's time to delete and part ways with the highly addictive app. Our attention spans are dwindling, and it's all because of apps just like TikTok! Sadly that's just the tip of the iceberg...

Stop Watching TikToks Cringe Videos because TikTok is Destroying Society - Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLt-ymXNf-w

TikTok is Worse Than You Thought - Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7STD2ESmWg&t=2s

Now, if you have made it this far I am impressed, and you don't have the attention of a goldfish, which means there is still hope for humanity (yay). Now the age-old saying is 'money makes the world go round, and another common saying is that says 'money is the root of all evil'. So if money makes the world go round and it is the root of all evil, does that then make our world an evil one? Yes. Most certainly. Just take a look at the next video (which might lead you deeper into the rabbit hole - ah whoops)!

I pinky promise there's only one thing left I want to show you.

The Tragic Tale of Reddit: The Dark Truth - Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SQ-TJKPPIg

Okay, a massive pat on the back to you if you have made it here, we can definitely be friends. Now, have you ever seen the film The Truman Show (1998)? With Jim Carrey? I know it seems random (af), but have you? If you haven't by any chance a quick synopsis on Wikipedia reads:

"An insurance salesman is oblivious to the fact that his entire life is a TV show and his family members are mere actors. As he starts noticing things and uncovers the truth, he decides to escape."

Okay, so now this brings me to my final concern. Given all of the above. An anarchic international system, tainted with manipulation and micro-narcissisms. A system that rewards us with hits of dopamine, while algorithms rewire our way of thinking. Which makes us then impatient addicts, with gold-fish attention spans, and complacent clot poles.*

We have given up our souls for a chance of virality to mysterious moderators or anonymous algorithm specialists. Undercover data thieves, stealing aspects of ourselves, privacy robbed in the name of security. But hey at least there are funny videos, hilarious filters and good quality memes, right?

Ok, so back to The Truman Show. If you have time give the film a cheeky watch before you play the last video. However, if you are like me and remember it well, you'll probably want to watch this video first and the film after.

***Unfortunately, where I am (U.K.), I have not been able to find streaming services that have The Truman Show available. Nevertheless, you can purchase the film for £2.59 on both Youtube and Amazon:

The Truman Show (Buy/Rent/Preview): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Ny2jBY-E0 ***

The Truman Show Tried to Warn You - Moon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHdp4iGjVUs

OK. How do you feel? Are you good? If so, go outside, and if not...go outside.

Youtube Channels:

Jake Tran: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoOjH8D2XAgjzQlneM2W0EQ

Moon: https://www.youtube.com/c/Moon-Real

*Clot pole: An idiot oblivious of their surroundings.