Digital Warfare of the Soul

The digital sphere has become a spiritual battlefield—a place where light and shadow, ego and essence, vie for dominion.

Can we reclaim sovereignty over our attention, habits, and inner life in an age shaped by screens? Or has the brain become too reliant on electronic stimulation to remember how to simply be?

The human brain is a neuroplastic organ, capable of adapting throughout life. This means digital inputs—phones, tablets, apps, even AI—don’t just entertain us; they rewire us. Constant stimulation triggers the release of addictive neurochemicals, creating dependencies similar to those associated with substances, food, alcohol, exercise, or sex. When the source of stimulation is removed, the brain craves it more intensely, influencing both our emotional and physical states. For example, I think social media has turned into a narcissistic playground for some individuals.

This impact is even greater on the developing brain. When crucial regions aren’t stimulated in natural ways—through deep reflection, boredom, or face-to-face connection—they may not fully develop. In this way, the digital world begins to replace our inner processes: imagination, emotional attunement, and spontaneous responses rooted in lived experience.

Over time, our growing dependency on digital technology has a profound psychological effect—disrupting personality development, shaping identity, and ultimately altering the psyche. We’re already seeing this unfold: social media and mobile phones are embedded in daily life. Even toddlers interact with devices, mimicking their parents and absorbing screen use as a normalised part of early development.

Yet the long-term impact often goes unnoticed. Devices can repress or diminish access to the psychological functions that motivate the ego and support the journey toward the authentic self. Technology manipulates and distracts the mind, making it lazy—less likely to engage with its imaginative or creative dimensions. In today’s world, a simple tap on a screen can bypass effort altogether, leading to a numbed or dulled mental state.

Of course, technology has its place—especially in education and the workplace. For those with different learning styles, like myself with dyslexia, digital tools can be incredibly beneficial. But there’s a fine line. Overuse can create a monotonous brain, stifling the very diversity of thought that makes us human.

Imagination is a joyful and vital expression of the human mind. It gives rise to unique ideas, vivid stories, and creative beauty—in art, writing, cooking, fashion, innovation, and more. While we may seek assistance to refine our creations, relying too heavily on technology can distance us from our creative instincts. It can stop us from pushing limits or stepping out of our comfort zones, ultimately hindering our growth. Embracing imagination allows us to continually expand our potential.

And our potential is sacred. It’s a core aspect of the human soul, through which we expand our consciousness and bring forth our true selves. This process helps us express the soul’s qualities—promoting peace, harmony, and meaningful relationships. Our potential is like a tapestry, woven through effort, mastery, and passion. But technology can obstruct this journey when we rely on apps or algorithms to do the hard work for us.

The concern is how the human brain may change over time. One day, neuroscientists may study the brain before, during, and after the full integration of artificial intelligence into daily life. What will they discover? This technology could become a form of 'Big Brother'—a force of control and dominance where liberty is compromised.

A spiritual warfare will have begun.

Some individuals will resist. They’ll refuse to surrender to a robotic lifestyle, sensing the deeper cost. They’ll choose presence over distraction, creativity over convenience, and soul over circuitry.

By nurturing our creativity and loosening our dependence on technology, we protect the brain’s natural vitality and keep our inner world alive. In doing so, we create space for the soul’s qualities—like presence, compassion, and imagination—to awaken fully. These are the quiet forces that can help restore balance, bring deeper connection, and guide us through a changing world with grace.