Simplicity Is Dangerous | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Simplicity Is Dangerous

Complexity in a click-bait world.

143
Simplicity Is Dangerous
Unsplash

It comes with unwritten warning labels and hidden implications. I am the master of complicated. I am the queen of over-explaining, theorizing and analyzing. I reject simplicity in almost every form, it’s almost a chronic condition. But when I say simplicity is dangerous, I do not mean to oversimplify that statement, but I mean to say that simplicity with the absence of context is what our (millennial) generationthrives on. Our culture changes almost too fast too keep anything relevant for too long so that one can even sit with a thought and ponder long enough about what it means. We binge on people’s expressions through social media, memes and video clips.

Here’s a simple, yet appropriate segue into talking about food. I learned about nutrition from the internet because it was never really taught at school. I learned about the difference between simple and complex carbs. Simple carbs include soda, candy, sugar, white rice. Complex carbs include whole grains and leafy green vegetables (you know, the kind they decorate plates with at fancy restaurants). Simple carbs get broken down in the body quickly and spike blood sugar, while complex carbs, along with their multiple other benefits, take longer to digest.

I am all for simple when I need to convey information quickly; Twitter and Facebook statuses, the occasional Instagram post. Sometimes there’s unexplored depth but the objective is never to expect that people will sit too long and examine every word because the reality is no one does. I admire people who have read the things I write, who’ve taken the time to properly “digest” the thoughts that I share and allow themselves to explore the depths of what I have to say. The truth is, there are limits to words and there are limits to social media sharing that need to be acknowledged. There’s every little that can be done to correct someone’s negative opinions of something you’ve said if they don’t approach you. Simplicity, in that case, isn’t really my fault, or your fault if you’ve ever dealt with being misunderstood for your words. There are times when I sift through shared posts and writings, looking for complexity where it isn’t, and in many cases where it doesn’t belong. I think if I’ve learned anything about food from the internet it’s that you can’t expect to find complex carbs in a candy store.

Even in this post, there is the danger of simplicity, resting in assumptions and lack of context. There’s no story, just words on a page meant to take the shape and the life of its interpreter. Perhaps it is what it is, with nothing to examine and search into, but I admonish you to ask more questions and become more complex (but not complicated like me, not everyone can handle that kind of existence). I would love for this to be a simple prompt that awakens the need to know and explore context, read stories and acknowledge the nuances of life outside of the click bait.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18765
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7966
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5824
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5043
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments