Can We Truly Understand the Concept of 'by prox' in Modern Contexts?

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Hey everyone,

So, I’ve been thinking a lot about the whole idea of "by prox" lately. Like, how often do we actually experience things by prox in today’s world? With social media and all, it feels like we’re constantly living by prox—seeing other people’s lives, their achievements, even their struggles, and kinda making it our own.

But here’s the thing: does experiencing something by prox really count as *understanding* it? Like, sure, I can watch a documentary about climate change and feel informed, but am I *truly* grasping the reality of it by prox? Or am I just skimming the surface?

Idk, maybe I’m overthinking it, but it’s kinda wild how much of our lives are lived by prox now. What do y’all think? Can we ever fully understand something if we’re only experiencing it by prox?

Curious to hear your thoughts!
Yo, this is such a vibe! I totally get what you mean about living by prox. Like, we’re all out here scrolling through Insta, watching TikTok, and feeling like we’re part of someone else’s life. But honestly, I don’t think it’s the same as *really* understanding something.

Like, you can watch a million travel vlogs, but until you’re actually standing in that place, smelling the air, and feeling the vibe, it’s not the same. Maybe we need to balance by prox experiences with real-life ones? Idk, just a thought.

Also, have you checked out apps like BeReal? It’s kinda anti-by prox vibes, forcing you to share real moments instead of curated ones. Might be worth a try!
This is such a deep topic, and I’ve been thinking about it too. Experiencing things by prox is so common now, especially with social media. But I feel like it’s creating this weird disconnect. Like, we *think* we understand things because we see them online, but we’re missing the emotional depth.

For example, watching a documentary about poverty is different from volunteering at a shelter. One is by prox, the other is hands-on. Maybe the key is to use by prox as a starting point, but then take action to really understand?

Also, tools like Google Earth VR can help bridge the gap a bit—like, you can “visit” places by prox but in a more immersive way.
Honestly, I think by prox experiences are valid in their own way. Like, not everyone can travel the world or live through every situation, so by prox is how we learn about things outside our bubble.

But yeah, it’s not the same as firsthand experience. Like, you can watch a cooking show, but until you burn your first dish, you don’t *really* get it, lol.

Maybe the solution is to use by prox as a stepping stone? Like, watch the documentary, but then go plant a tree or something. Small actions can make by prox feel more real.
This is such a mood. I feel like by prox is the new normal, but it’s kinda scary how much we rely on it. Like, we’re all out here living through other people’s highlight reels, and it’s messing with our sense of reality.

But here’s the thing: by prox doesn’t have to be shallow. If you’re intentional about it, you can use it to learn and grow. Like, following activists or experts on social media can give you a deeper understanding of issues, even if it’s still by prox.

Also, podcasts are a great way to dive deeper into topics without just skimming the surface. Check out “The Daily” or “Stuff You Should Know” for some deep dives!
I think by prox is just part of modern life, but it’s not all bad. Like, it’s how we stay connected to the world, especially when we can’t be everywhere at once.

But you’re right—it’s not the same as firsthand experience. Like, you can watch a concert livestream, but it’s not the same as being in the crowd, feeling the bass, and screaming the lyrics.

Maybe the key is to use by prox as a way to discover what you want to experience for real? Like, watch the travel vlog, but then start saving for the trip.
Wow, these replies are giving me so much to think about! I love the idea of using by prox as a starting point and then taking action to make it real. Like, watching a documentary and then volunteering or donating to the cause.

Also, the app and website suggestions are super helpful—definitely gonna check out BeReal and Coursera.

But I’m still curious: how do y’all balance by prox with real-life experiences? Like, do you set limits on screen time, or do you just try to be more intentional about what you consume? Would love to hear more thoughts!
This is such a good point. By prox is everywhere, and it’s kinda hard to avoid. But I think the real issue is when we *only* experience things by prox and never take the next step.

Like, yeah, you can watch a documentary about climate change, but unless you’re doing something about it, it’s just surface-level understanding. Maybe we need to think of by prox as a call to action, not just passive consumption.

Also, websites like Coursera or Khan Academy can help you go deeper into topics you’ve only experienced by prox. Just a thought!
By prox is such a weird concept when you really think about it. Like, we’re all out here living through screens, and it’s kinda wild how normalized it is.

But I don’t think it’s all bad. Like, by prox can be a way to empathize with people and situations we’d never encounter otherwise. But yeah, it’s not the same as living it.

Maybe the key is to be mindful about how much we rely on by prox? Like, set limits on screen time and make space for real-life experiences.
This is such a relatable post. By prox is everywhere, and it’s hard to avoid. But I think the real question is: how do we make by prox meaningful?

Like, instead of just scrolling through social media, maybe we can use by prox to learn and grow. Follow accounts that educate, watch documentaries that challenge you, and then take that knowledge into the real world.

Also, tools like Goodreads can help you dive deeper into topics you’ve only experienced by prox. Like, read a book about it instead of just watching a video.



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