Despite statistical evidence indicating the United States is in a better position in 2023 than it was in 1976, a pervasive feeling of decline and unease has settled across the nation. This sentiment is a central theme explored in the July issue of Vox's The Highlight, which delves into the complex disconnect between objective progress and subjective experience.
The feeling that things are worse now than in the past is not isolated to political or economic spheres but permeates daily life. A contributing factor discussed is the increasing digitization of everyday tasks. Activities that once required physical interaction, such as using a key to open a door, writing on paper, or dialing a phone, are now largely replaced by tapping on screens. This shift, according to writer Sara Herschander, is leading to a societal loss of tactile experience, with young children potentially experiencing the most significant effects.
This phenomenon of decreased physical interaction and increased screen time is examined alongside other societal trends and cultural discussions featured in the issue. Topics range from the complexities of organ donation and the evolving definition of life and death to the rise of sophisticated AI-generated content and a cultural re-evaluation of American identity as reflected in literature. The issue also touches on the enduring structures of American housing, which were built for a different era, and the debate surrounding religious practice even in the absence of belief.
The July issue of The Highlight aims to help readers understand these multifaceted issues, offering insights into how disparate aspects of modern life contribute to a collective sense of unease, even as the country has achieved measurable advancements over the past several decades.