Dense urban environments are a black hole of chaos slowly consuming our societies. For most of human history, we have lived in low-density, rural environments. Before 1600, only 5% of the world’s population lived in an urban environment, by 1900 this was 16% and current estimates have urban densities as high as 90% of some country’s populations.
There are clear reasons for this shift in living environments; higher-paid jobs, more opportunities, automatisation of farming and the natural tendency for human beings to build and centralise our societies. But cracks are starting to show in the glittering facades of our cities, not just physically, but morally and spiritually. The ability for technological progress to shift how we live is accelerating, technology itself is exponential, and in the process of creating change and growth, we create chaos.
In Response To Chaos
Human nature is inherently conservative. When we discuss evolutionary biology we see beneficial traits that ensure survival and reproduction conserved over many generations. This natural selection process often favours the preservation of successful adaptations, leading to a form of conservatism in genetic traits. This gradualism ensures that only changes beneficial for survival are retained over long periods.
Many ecosystems exhibit a form of conservatism in maintaining balance and stability. Ecological communities often resist change to maintain equilibrium, a concept known as homeostasis. Ecosystems can show resilience and resistance to environmental disturbances, striving to return to a prior state of equilibrium after disruptions. Natural systems tend to adapt better to slow and predictable changes rather than rapid, unpredictable ones. This characteristic could be seen as a form of conservatism, as ecosystems are often “optimised” for historical, relatively stable conditions.
In the same way, the majority of human beings deal poorly with rapid change and chaotic systems. Societal stability provides the ability to plan for the future and to think further out than the possibility of the next chaotic event or seismic shift in society. Cities have always been melting pots of diverse viewpoints and innovation. However, it is the pace of this shift that has accelerated in recent years, giving way to moral and social challenges. The anonymity and density of urban life can lead to a sense of disconnection and moral ambiguity. In the shadows of tall buildings, the human connection is often lost, giving rise to a survival-of-the-fittest mentality.
Dunbar’s number theorises that human beings can maintain a social network of around 150 people at any one time. In the dense urban sprawl, it is unlikely that you can create meaningful connections with even a fraction of the people you see or interact with daily. Whilst social circles will overlap, this disconnectedness from the majority of the people around us means we are left seeking what is best for ourselves, to be greedy or dismissive of others, selfish and alone.
Pay The Physical Toll
In Chapter 15: Attitude Adjuster I discussed how being disconnected from nature has an observable negative effect on our mental and physical wellbeing. The perks of living in a dense urban area are quickly being overshadowed by the negative aspects. We can see in long-term health studies the effects of urban life on the human body, from constant exposure to pollution, poor quality food and most especially noise.
Constant noise exposure can have several psychological effects on individuals, influencing both mental health and cognitive functioning. Prolonged noise exposure can elevate stress hormones like cortisol in the body. This can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, contributing to a heightened state of arousal or alertness that can be mentally exhausting. It can negatively impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. It can be particularly disruptive to tasks that require concentration and mental focus.
Chronic noise exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and chronic irritability. Constant noise also often leads to feelings of annoyance and agitation. This can result in increased hostility, social conflicts, and a general decrease in positive social interactions. This constant and unavoidable aspect of urban life is certainly a detriment to anyone living in a city. Of course, it is usually the poorest in the city that suffer the worst as cheaper housing tends to be located near industrial areas, busy traffic zones or lower levels of buildings.
e/acc – Effective Accelerationism
Technology, often hailed as a harbinger of efficiency and convenience, paradoxically plays a pivotal role in the intensifying chaos of urban life. Its rapid evolution and integration into every facet of our existence have not only reshaped the urban landscape but also significantly altered the rhythm and dynamics of city living.
The expansion of smartphones and digital devices, for instance, has transformed the way we interact with our environment and each other. These devices offer unparalleled connectivity, yet ironically, they often lead to a sense of isolation. People, engrossed in their online worlds, can be physically present in urban spaces yet psychologically and emotionally detached. This phenomenon contributes to a unique form of urban loneliness, where crowded cityscapes are filled with individuals deeply immersed in their private digital bubbles.
Artificial intelligence and automation, while streamlining certain tasks, have also contributed to the complexity of urban life. The influx of smart technologies in transportation, healthcare, and public services promises efficiency but often results in an overwhelming barrage of choices and information. The pace of life quickens as people are expected to continuously adapt to new systems and technologies, leaving little room for respite in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Moreover, the deflationary impact of technology in urban areas cannot be overlooked. While technology drives down costs and democratizes access to services, it also disrupts traditional industries and job markets. This leads to economic and social challenges, as people struggle to keep pace with the rapidly shifting demands of the tech-driven economy.
In essence, technology in urban environments presents a double-edged sword. It brings the world closer, yet distances us from immediate, tangible experiences. It simplifies tasks but complicates life choices. The rapid progress being seen in LLM and towards AGI (e/acc) is going to have an even greater chaotic effect on our societies. This deflationary impulse will be exponential and the changes it brings, as we peer over the event horizon, are socially cataclysmic.
Escape The Event Horizon
Just like a gravitational well, the effects lessen the further out we get. As you move from the frantic and high-frequency life of the cities and out into the rural parts of the world a noticeable shift occurs in the pace and quality of life. Statistically, a rural lifestyle comes with many benefits. It is better understood now that time spent in or around nature improves our mental health and cognitive functions. Residents in rural areas often report lower stress levels and higher satisfaction with their living conditions. The slower pace of life, closer community ties, and a deeper connection with nature contribute to this enhanced sense of well-being.
Sociologist Jane Jacobs, in her work on urban studies, observes, “In rural communities, social bonds are often stronger and more organic, leading to a greater sense of belonging and support.” This social cohesion is less common in the anonymous, fast-paced urban environment.
Furthermore, the reduced reliance on technology in rural areas also plays a critical role. While urban dwellers are constantly bombarded with digital stimuli, rural residents often enjoy a simpler, more grounded lifestyle. This is not to say that rural areas are devoid of technology, but its role is less intrusive and dominating. The National Rural Health Association has highlighted that reduced technological interference contributes to lower levels of anxiety and depression among rural populations.
Conclusion
Staving off the effects of an urban lifestyle depends on many factors. If you are ‘well off’ the effects are less likely to impact you, either through a higher standard of living, being able to leave as and when needed, or the ability to live above the noise and pollution. If you are predisposed to thrive in a chaotic environment you will do well from the increase in opportunities available to you and the network effect of like-minded human beings in close proximity.
But even as a wealthy or chaos-inspired individual, you are not shielded from the effects of those who are unable to cope with this societal accelerationism. The opportunities that cities bring are unevenly distributed. Economically, inequality is generally greater in urban than in rural areas: the Gini coefficient of income inequality is higher in urban areas than in rural areas in 36 out of 42 countries.
Chaos, to me, would seem inevitable. To control chaos, you must have incredibly centralised power structures and the technological means to control the population. Something that human beings will either embrace willingly at the cost of civil liberties or reject wholesale, and violently.
I don’t believe either of those options is beneficial to us as a society. A catastrophe either way?
Further reading: Chpt 15: Attitude Adjuster
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