When Going Outside is Stressful

People give youngsters a hard time about being in front of a screen, or adults for letting them be in front of a screen. Even during the lockdowns when school was through screens, people were demanding that good parents do more to engage their children. Honestly, the rise of social media has made even being on screens more difficult because of the lies they portray. Unfortunately, being outside can be just as stressful as being on a screen due to the privatization of public space.

One issue that everyone is trying to avoid is advertisements, because people are fatigued with the bombardment of things they cannot afford. Due to zoning in the United States, there are certain setbacks between stores and parks. Sadly, when people can see the stores from the park, they are reminded of things they want to buy even as they are trying to enjoy the outdoors.

Vendors are also the blessings and the bane of public space. Permit or not, they hock their wares to make them look as enticing as possible. People who are being careful with their spending tend to feel even worse when being confronted with an actual person doing a direct sale. This is also why panhandling is effective, but speaks to the aggressiveness of nonprofits who use the same tactics.

Mental health is on a very shaky leg for many people throughout the globe. The whole purpose of outdoor space within countries is to allow a mental break. Without a rest from reminding people of their responsibilities and limits, people are losing hope. Violence has become more probable than possible now that every inch of available space seems to scream, “You need to spend money!”

By and large, disposable income is disappearing all over the world. The rise of homelessness is proof that the pricing is too high and the owners live in a field of delusions. Consumption is no longer a consistently shared pastime across all socioeconomic classes. outside should be the last respite of people in dire circumstances who are still hoping to overcome. It would help to have a space other than home or a screen where everyone can avoid being reminded of the money they lack.