Chapter 1: The Concept of a Mindguard

In a world where the wealthy and influential often employ physical bodyguards, should the average individual consider a different type of defense?

When I think about hiring a bodyguard—perhaps a robust ex-marine who can detect threats or a street-smart fighter ready to engage—I realize it’s not only impractical but also unnecessary. As a writer, my life isn't filled with the dangers that warrant such protection. Sure, I might accidentally jostle a shopping cart in a supermarket and worry about an overreacting shopper, but that’s as intense as my daily life gets. So, the idea of a bodyguard feels absurd.

However, safeguarding my mind? That could be a different story. Does my mental space require protection, and if so, what type of mindguard should I consider?

The Adult 2.0 Model

Currently, I operate with a basic level of mental defense, which comes standard with the Adult 2.0 model (also known as middle age). This means I approach information with skepticism, questioning what I see, read, or hear. I remain doubtful of advertising claims and resist the allure of hypnotic pitches from those with soothing voices wielding pocket watches.

Every day, our minds are bombarded with information. As we scroll through feeds and respond to notifications, we constantly encounter potential scams and deceptive content. Whether it’s a misleading message or a repurposed video for political manipulation, the threat is ever-present.

I know what you’re thinking: just turn off social media. Who needs those digital connections? Except, of course, for most modern social interactions. Living off the grid might seem ideal, providing a shield from those wanting to invade my thoughts, but isolation could lead to madness.

What's the Solution?

Historically, society has faced the challenge of deception, and a protective mindguard would have been beneficial throughout time. Today, however, many aspects of modern life are designed to persuade or manipulate us. Take, for instance, the Infinite Scroll—a feature created in 2006 to keep users engaged on platforms for longer periods. While it wasn't intended to foster addiction, its consequences on our mental health are clear. Its creator, Aza Raskin, has since expressed regret for its unintended effects and co-founded the Center for Humane Technology to address these issues.

The Design of Deception

The gambling industry has perfected the art of psychological manipulation, utilizing flashing lights and catchy sounds to keep players engaged. Similarly, scammers exploit our vulnerabilities with deceptive tactics, convincing individuals they owe money or need to pay for nonexistent services. This method, known as social engineering, is not exclusive to criminals; governments and corporations also employ manipulative strategies to influence behavior, a concept known as nudge theory, championed by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein.

Unfortunately, our susceptibility to manipulation has never been higher.

Cultural Manipulations

It’s easy to think that our minds are under siege by corporations seeking to monetize our attention, but the political arena is no different. The term "woke mind virus," popularized by Elon Musk, suggests that progressives have created an ideology that infects the minds of ordinary people. Both sides of the political spectrum engage in this cultural warfare, casting doubt on each other's motives and truths while vying for control over public perception.

Skepticism may be our strongest defense, yet it requires consistency. If we become overly skeptical, we risk developing a harmful distrust of all institutions, leading to paranoia and conspiracy theories.

The Rise of Deepfakes

Enhanced deepfake technology poses another threat to our already strained mental resilience. Even obvious fabrications can spread misinformation across political divides, complicating our ability to discern truth from fiction.

Can Technology Save Us?

The question remains: are these addictive devices and platforms detrimental to our critical thinking, or could they offer solutions? Tools like spam filters and deepfake detection can provide some protection, but relying solely on external defenses can weaken our mental acuity. It’s essential to nurture our cognitive skills; otherwise, they may atrophy.

As for me, I will create my own mental defenses from the assortment of knowledge and experiences I possess—unless I resort to the classic solution: the tin foil hat.

In "Peace is a Mind Guard," the speaker discusses the necessity of mental protection in a world overwhelmed by information and chaos.

In "Guard Your Mind," Pastor Bobby Chandler emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental clarity amidst external pressures and distractions.

John B. Dutton's new novel, "2084," was released on May 1 and can be found at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and select independent bookstores. For signed copies, visit johnbdutton.com. His "Discomfort Zone" newsletter is published on Substack every other Thursday.