Invisible Wars

Today I came across a website that allows you to witness ddos attacks in real time,on a global scale .
It's the closest you'll get to WW3 on your computer/laptop/mobile.
Link here.
Marvel at the fact that this invisible war is being waged every second of every day.

It reminds me of an old computer game (Missile Command )

Missile_Command_flyer.jpg CC use

At the point where I began watching, it was mostly China versus the USA, but pretty much every nation gets a look in-
Which is nice.
Inclusivity and all that.

Cyber-warfare is an inevitable result of the global internet, human nature being what it is.

In some nations, access to the internet is restricted or even forbidden and replaced with state approved infranet alternatives.
Many DDOS attacks are attempts to circumvent official channels for political reasons, or just to torrent freebie films etc.
The internet has given us an electronic Wild West:
A lawless, invisible  electronic layer that crosses national and international boundaries.
Not just physically, but mentally too, with its continued challenges to the status quo, and the seemingly endless redefinition of ownership, be it copyright , intellectual property etc.

Just by writing this rant, I am participating.
In a small way.
And so are you !
Perhaps more than you imagine, if you use any form of social media.
Interactions with social media illustrate similar principles in action , albeit on a lesser scale.

The primary aim of much social media seems to be the triggering of emotions.
Mostly anger and outrage.
Perceived injustices and so on.
Endless sympathy - inducing  images of  (insert the thing you most often react to), coupled with the empty assertion that Farcebook likes equal life saving surgery, is the way these things tend to go on the personal level.
Combine this with the unspoken hint that failure to comply makes YOU a BAD person , and - bingo!
Instant inferiority complex or self-doubt -
- but wait ! We have a cure for that , yes indeedy !
 What Action Film Star Are You Most Like , just answer these 20 questions...

...because people love to feel better about themselves.

Who needs therapy when there's clickbait on farcebook ?

Image by me so nyarr. 

Of course, it may be the case that you are stronger than that, with no Facebock/ Twitter/ Snapchat etc - in which case, well done you !


I wonder if there will be intervention groups one day, for people reduced to anxious wrecks by social media.

The Twelve Step Plan for Online Anonymous

Step away from the computer.
And your phone.
And TV

Hear that silence ?