density
- Jason W
- Aug 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Most live in a fairly populated location, with somewhat easy access to things like infrastructure and communities. You likely do too. Urban living represents about 55% of the world's population, with an upward trend - the UN predicts about 68% of the world will be "urban" by 2060. This checks with the CIA, where of 229 countries examined, 223 show positive rates of urbanization (the six that are in decline: Bermuda, Bulgaria, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, and Lithuania). Does this mean that we truly prefer life in concrete streets?
Apparently not, see above. Even our current LLMs seem to think green is the trend. A few thoughts on how our seemingly collective urban preference might not be all it seems. A note: I realize that there are several confounding factors/considerations on some of these studies that were not addressed - interpret what you want, I'm not your doctor/lawyer.
Increased prevalence of depressive symptoms, adults, comparing urban - rural, in Korea, (even after adjustments, the question stands: does being rich in the city still suck?), but somehow this is inversed in the US?
Psychedelics in urban area or in nature - you can probably guess which is more studied, as well as which has shown positive results. Sample sizes are still limited on some of the findings; consider adding your own research, daytripper~
Intelligent smart systems - amazing works of art, effective calibration of massive network motion (think transportation systems of Tokyo or Los Angeles), terrifying when high connectivity systems are grounded...literally, over 5000 flights cancelled on one day (est. $10B). A family of 5, $12500 compensation + 3 day hotel in Seoul before Thailand vacation, nothing extra for me, business class next-day...suffering from success.
Comparison is the thief of joy - many of our metrics are shifting, lifestyle tradeoffs are expected; I appreciate a quick subway hop, but I also appreciate clean air and water. However, the real contrast is independent thought - are you where you want to be, or are you where everyone else wants you to be? EMF discussion for another time - no tin foil yet.
It is a difficult reflection; our neighbors are farmers, sociologists, and environmentalists, they are also corporate execs, tech bros, and drug dealers - learn together now, or don't.
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