Writing: Then and Now

 

Writing: Then and Now 

    As a mature student, my life revolves around academia, where writing is an essential part of my daily routine. Yet, my perspective on writing is uniquely shaped by the transformative era I’ve lived through—spanning a time before social media, in the late '90s, to today’s hyper-connected digital age.  

In the '90s, society’s writing habits were vastly different, grounded in an environment where mobile phones were still rare, and the internet was just beginning to integrate into daily life. Back then, our breaks at work or moments of spare time were filled with lively oral exchanges—telling stories, cracking jokes, and engaging in animated discussions. Communication was personal, physical, and immediate.  

Fast forward to today, and while storytelling and humor remain timeless, the way we interact has evolved dramatically. Social media now plays a central role in our communication. During breaks, it's common to see teammates engrossed in their phones, reading and replying to messages or comments online. This shift has created a fascinating contradiction: while it reduces face-to-face interaction, it has made writing a far more frequent activity. Whether crafting posts, sending messages, or debating in comment threads, people are now writing more than ever—perhaps without even realizing it.  

Interestingly, this constant practice of casual writing, no matter the level of sophistication, reinforces writing skills over time. Outside of academic circles, the focus isn’t on perfect grammar or structure but on conveying meaning. This reduced emphasis on perfection has, in my view, lowered societal barriers around confidence in writing.  

One striking example comes from observing my parents’ generation on platforms like Facebook. I see them courageously engaging with written communication—sharing memories, replying to comments, and reconnecting with others. While they might struggle with proper grammar or spelling, their determination to participate is heartening—that makes my day. With regular practice, I’m confident they’re improving, bit by bit. 

Ultimately, the rise of social media has democratized writing, encouraging participation across generations. It’s a subtle yet profound societal shift—one that reminds us that the act of writing, in any form, is both a skill and a connection to the world around us.  

Toni Font Bardolet, Aberdeen 27/01/2025

The Desinhibitionist Guy

  

The Desinhibitionist Guy

    In the heart of the forest, there’s a name everyone knows—Derry. He doesn’t shoot arrows with unparalleled precision like Felix, the young prodigy who amazed even the elders with his skill. Felix’s talents made him an impressive addition to the wooden society, but he wasn’t the one who truly captured the community's admiration. That honor belonged to Dermot, better known as Derry.

What makes Derry special isn’t any extraordinary skill or talent. He isn’t the fastest runner, the strongest builder, or the sharpest strategist. His magic lies in something far simpler yet infinitely more profound—his genuine kindness and unshakable desire to live harmoniously with others. Derry doesn’t seek to outshine or outdo anyone. He just wants to enjoy life, contribute to the community, and be a good person.

Surprisingly, this made him a standout figure. While others struggled to balance their ambitions with the good of the group, Derry had no hidden agenda. His honesty and lack of selfishness earned him respect, even from the most competitive members of the society. Because he had nothing to lose, Derry could speak his mind freely. His straightforwardness wasn’t just refreshing—it was transformative.

But Derry’s true power lies in his ability to unlock something extraordinary in those around him: their freedom. While most of the forest dwellers carried the heavy burden of fear—fear of failure, judgment, or loss—Derry showed them a different path. He had a knack for stripping away those worries, helping others realize that life’s pressures mattered far less than they thought.

With Derry around, people felt lighter, more at ease. They laughed, shared, and embraced the moment without the invisible chains of their insecurities holding them back. Derry didn’t just inspire others to let go; he gave them permission to be themselves and to have fun without guilt.

In the end, Derry’s gift wasn’t just his disinhibition—it was his ability to remind everyone that joy, honesty, and community also matter.

Toni Font Bardolet, Aberdeen 27/12/2024

The Real Philosophical Battle

 

The Real Philosophical Battle

    Jameson and Louis met by chance in the twilight of their lives. They had known each other since elementary school, and while memories can become blurry over the years, those of childhood often remain vivid in a mystical way. They were pleasantly surprised to discover that they were both still alive, despite having taken completely different paths and having antagonistic ways of being.

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They were both, at their core, good people, shaped by the same environment, but their different perspectives and personalities had made them antagonistic across the spectrum of different ways of being.

James had built his life solely through his own strength. While this determination is commendable, it also made him emotionally distant, focused solely on his individual goals without realizing that collaboration could open up new opportunities. He operated under an unspoken rule: “No one gives a shit for no one, so there’s no point in doing anything different.” Consequently, his worldview was austere: people were either with him or they didn’t exist at all. Despite this, he was not an unhappy man; in fact, he found satisfaction in his accomplishments. He did not believe in sincere friendship, as he believed friendships were merely transactional.

Instead, Louis thrived when surrounded by the happiness of others. He found it almost impossible to experience true joy in solitude, as it seemed irrational to him. He adhered to the unwritten principle that happiness can only be discovered within a community, believing that, at its core, humans are social creatures by nature, unlike other species. Throughout his life, all of his achievements were tied to collaboration; he was actively involved in the cultural facets of contemporary society and participated in numerous projects alongside a wide variety of people.

As a reader, where do you find yourself in this narrative? It appears that we all carry a bit of both James and Louis within us, doesn’t it? Is it truly worthwhile to lead a life centered solely on personal happiness—one that fades as quickly as our existence, like a flickering lighter running out of fuel, leaving nothing behind but a memory? Or should we strive to stay deeply connected to the social fabric, considering what will endure after we’re gone?

Finally, Louis asked, “Are you happy with the life you’ve led? What are you leaving behind? What is your contribution during your time on Earth?” James replied, “Honestly, I’ve left almost nothing behind me. And what about you? Do you really think anyone cares about the effort you put into society?” With that, James didn't wait for an answer, he just turned around and walked away with a smirk. He went to his cold, empty home. Louis stood there for a moment before shaking his head, resigned to the realization that there was nothing he could do to change James. Louis headed to the social bar at the nursing home.

Toni Font Bardolet, Aberdeen 19/10/2024