Existing in the 21st Century: Thought Journeys Through the Hidden Currents that Surround Us

R. Babcock R. Babcock

The Bias Vault

It’s called the People’s Archive of Algorithmic Memory, but most folks just call it the Bias Vault.

Where there were once surveillance servers and sealed-off evidence rooms, there are now hallways filled with light and people exploring. These corridors pulse with the quiet thrum of justice unfolding… small and large truths unspooling themselves in each moment.

School groups come through daily, and they’re not forced, but they all come—public, private, unschooled, community-schooled. Even homeschoolers send their kids for this part of history. They all call the trip "The Unveiling."

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technology, social media R. Babcock technology, social media R. Babcock

Do We Want a Future Without Toxic Social Media?

Unlike centralized social media, where a single company decides the rules, algorithms, and monetization strategies, the Fediverse is decentralized. This means no single entity controls it, and users have more freedom in how they interact online. Instead of being locked into one corporation’s vision of social media, people can choose or even create online spaces that reflect their own values.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

Are We Raising a Generation That Feels Invisible?

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, has emphasized that increased screen time is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness in young people. If these effects compound over time, what does that mean for children just learning how to navigate social interactions?

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

How do we refine ourselves as we stand in the fire?

The ache of separation fuels the search for justice, and art has always been a way to make sense of oppression and push for change. In a world where digital noise and fast consumption flatten deep experience, Ishq reminds us that love—whether for the Divine, the world, or justice—requires patience, longing, and surrender.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

How Do We Reclaim Balance in a World That Moves Too Fast?

Burnout is not just a personal failing or something we can always fix through self-care alone. Many people are burned out because of systemic conditions—low wages, overwork, lack of healthcare, racial and gender inequities, and unsustainable demands placed on workers, parents, and caregivers. While individual strategies can help, real change requires structural solutions—better labor protections, social safety nets, and a shift away from cultures that prioritize productivity over well-being.

For those struggling, it’s not your fault if burnout feels overwhelming. Rest and healing should not be privileges—they should be fundamental rights. Until society fully acknowledges that, the best we can do is find moments of restoration where we can, support one another, and continue advocating for systems that don’t push people past their limits.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

Medical Misdiagnosis and Gaslighting

Medical misdiagnosis among neurodivergent individuals, especially women, is disturbingly prevalent. Neurodivergence—encompassing ADHD, autism, and dyslexia—often presents differently in women than men. Yet diagnostic criteria remain rooted in outdated stereotypes, leading to missed or incorrect diagnoses.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

Mourning the Loss of A Simpler Future for my Child

Housing insecurity forces people into survival mode, which limits their ability to dream, create, and contribute to society. The constant worry over rent or finding a place to live reduces mental bandwidth, making it difficult to engage with the deeper, more meaningful questions of existence—like “What is love?” Instead, the question becomes, “How do I make it through today?” We cannot fully embrace our lives without fighting back powerfully against this angst and anxiety about simply existing.

Technology, particularly algorithms feeding endless content, steps in as a kind of palliative care for this pain. Scrolling through recommendations and consuming media can temporarily soothe the anguish of economic precarity, but it often perpetuates a cycle of numbing rather than addressing the root causes. This coping mechanism highlights a troubling paradox: the very platforms that could be used to amplify voices and advocate for change are instead being optimized for profit and engagement at the expense of awareness and agency.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

The ISO 20022 Revolution: What It Means for American Citizens and the Global Economy

ISO 20022 represents a monumental shift in the way financial transactions are conducted, promising faster, more transparent, and secure systems for individuals and institutions alike. For American citizens, the standard will bring tangible benefits, including faster payments, reduced fees, and improved fraud protection. On a global scale, ISO 20022 will enhance financial interoperability, drive economic growth, and foster innovation.

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Sunday Reset: Building Better Boundaries

In American culture, boundary practices often carry a sense of individualism, reflecting the larger societal value of self-reliance and personal freedom. However, these boundaries are frequently shaped by a culture that also emphasizes productivity, external achievement, and image, making it challenging to establish boundaries that genuinely serve our inner lives.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

Why the Rejection of CBDCs Could Spark a Wave of Innovation

In a surprising and welcome move, a recent executive order has officially prohibited the development and use of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the United States. While this decision might seem like a step back from digital financial evolution, it actually creates a fertile ground for innovation. Let’s break it down in simple terms.

CBDCs are essentially government-backed digital currencies. Think of them as digital dollars issued directly by the Federal Reserve. At first glance, they sound convenient, but there are significant risks:

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

A Beginner’s Guide to Cryptocurrency

Investing in cryptocurrency can feel intimidating, especially if you’re balancing a tight budget or the responsibilities of parenthood. However, it’s possible to get started with simple, actionable steps. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to begin your crypto journey. The world is changing, and so must we.

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holistic health, parenting, fitness R. Babcock holistic health, parenting, fitness R. Babcock

10 Unique Holistic Fitness Tips for Busy Parents

10 Unique Fitness Tips for Parents: Embrace Holistic Health Together!

Discover creative ways to stay active as a parent with these 10 unique holistic fitness tips! From playful obstacle courses to mindful nature walks, transform your daily routine into a fun, family-friendly workout. Perfect for busy parents seeking balance, connection, and health. Read more to energize your body and mind while keeping the kids entertained!

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Moss Landing Fire Highlights Critical Safety Concerns

As I reflect on this incident, I’m struck by the disparity between the corporate narrative of progress and the lived realities of those affected. Residents forced to evacuate or shelter in place are bearing the brunt of a problem they had little say in creating. Meanwhile, companies like Vistra Energy profit from contracts with utilities like PG&E, even as questions about safety remain unanswered.

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environmental health, politics R. Babcock environmental health, politics R. Babcock

Helpless Rage: Confronting America's Toxins and Rising Cancer Rates

Environmental toxins are another growing concern, with studies connecting exposure to substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals to elevated cancer risks. These toxins, often found in everyday items such as food packaging, cleaning products, and even water supplies, include carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that can alter cellular functions and contribute to tumor development. Combined, these factors highlight the pressing need for regulatory reforms and increased public awareness to mitigate exposure and improve long-term health outcomes.

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Why Digital Currency is the Future: A Guide for Parents Looking to Invest Smartly

Digital currency is accessible to everyone. You don’t need a large income to start investing; many platforms allow you to buy fractions of coins for as little as $10. For families living paycheck to paycheck, this creates an opportunity to grow savings over time. Cryptocurrencies also offer protection against inflation—a growing concern in traditional markets.

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politics, activism, technology R. Babcock politics, activism, technology R. Babcock

The Siren Song of Screens: How to Mobilize Collective Action in a Distracted World

While technology offers incredible opportunities for connection and information sharing, it also presents a significant challenge for social and political movements: how to mobilize people when their attention is constantly being captured by the digital world? There are a lot of reasons we all need collective action at this time and it’s time to acknowledge the new realities in which we seek to organize.

This isn't about demonizing technology. It's about acknowledging the reality of our digital age and finding ways to navigate its challenges. Here are a few strategies for mobilizing collective action in a world increasingly dominated by screens

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Getting Fit with Hypnosis and A Baby

The hypnosis tracks, the kiddo in my “gym”, and my overweight body are things I never imagined doing or having. The joy I am finding in these spaces is also unexpected. I want to share my experience, hope, and story in the event that it helps another parent overcome their hesitations or suffering in the weight loss space. Don’t be stubborn like I was, be flexible and seek your own new “program”. Your future awaits. Your child’s eyes can’t wait to see you succeed and be happy.

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parenting, mental health, technology R. Babcock parenting, mental health, technology R. Babcock

Trying to be an Analog Mom in a Digital World

Being a mom in today’s world often feels like living in two different realities. On one hand, there’s the fast-paced, hyper-connected digital age, where screens dominate and convenience rules. On the other, there’s the deep, grounding pull of nature, creativity, and simplicity—the analog world I want my daughter to grow up knowing. Trying to be an "analog mom" in these times feels like swimming upstream, and yet it’s something I hold onto with all my heart.

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R. Babcock R. Babcock

Resist Homogeny with Design Justice

Designers hold significant power in shaping societal norms and structures. By adopting a justice-oriented lens, they can create solutions that are not only functional but also equitable. This involves questioning who benefits from a design and who might be inadvertently harmed. As Sasha Costanza-Chock, a prominent advocate for design justice, notes, "Design justice rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collaborative, creative practices to address the deepest challenges our communities face.

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