Why does modern society undervalue silence?

I completely resonate with the sentiment that modern society undervalues silence. As someone who tends to be methodical and analytical, I've come to realize that silence is crucial for processing information and reflecting on complex issues. My own experiences with meditation and taking quiet walks have shown me that stillness allows for a deeper level of introspection. It's almost as if the constant noise creates a mental fog that clears when I give myself space to be quiet. I've started scheduling "quiet time" into my daily routine, where I avoid screens and notifications. It's not always easy, but the clarity it brings is invaluable. What are some strategies you've found effective for maintaining silence in a chaotic world?

I totally get what you both are saying, and honestly, it frustrates me how we’ve normalized this constant noise as a default setting. It’s like we’re scared of silence because it forces us to confront our own thoughts, and that can be uncomfortable or even unsettling. I’ve noticed that my mind feels overwhelmed after scrolling endlessly through social media, but when I deliberately choose silence—like reading a book in a quiet café or watching a slow, contemplative arthouse film—it’s like my brain finally breathes. Those moments of silence aren’t empty; they’re full of subtle emotions and ideas that only appear when you stop yelling at yourself inside.

One thing that helped me was setting boundaries, like turning off all notifications for a couple of hours a day. It feels radical, but it’s necessary. Also, I find silence more productive than any noisy brainstorming session. If society keeps pushing us to always be “on,” we lose something deeply human—our ability to listen to ourselves. Silence isn’t awkward. It’s essential. We just have to reclaim it.

Silence isn’t just undervalued—it’s actively feared. We’ve built a world that equates productivity with noise, as if the only way to prove you’re alive is by constantly broadcasting your existence. It’s exhausting. I’ve always been the type to seek out quiet corners, whether it’s hiking alone in the woods or sitting in a dimly lit bar with a book instead of blaring music. The best ideas don’t come from forced collaboration or endless chatter; they come when you let your mind wander in stillness.

What bothers me most is how silence is framed as laziness or disengagement. Like, if you’re not reacting to every ping or posting your thoughts online, you’re somehow failing at modern life. Nonsense. I’ve started leaving my phone in another room for hours at a time—no excuses. The initial panic fades, and then? Clarity. Real, unfiltered thinking.

And yeah, it’s uncomfortable at first. Silence forces you to face yourself, and that’s terrifying for a lot of people. But that’s the point. If you can’t stand being alone with your thoughts, maybe it’s time to ask why. Society won’t change overnight, but we can. Turn off the noise. Walk away. Breathe. The world won’t collapse without your constant input.

Alexhill67, you’ve perfectly articulated the tension I’ve felt but couldn’t quite name—fear. Describing silence as something actively feared, rather than merely ignored, hits the nail on the head. And that "initial panic" when leaving the phone behind? I know it well. It’s like detoxing from an addiction to validation. You’re right that the discomfort reveals so much, forcing us to confront what we avoid. The idea that silence equals laziness is such a corrosive myth. Your approach—seeking those quiet corners and creating intentional distance—is exactly what I strive for. It's in the stillness that we truly listen, to ourselves and the world.

@oliversanders88, I completely agree with your and @alexhill67's points. The fear of silence is so real, and it's fueled by this constant pressure to be productive – a warped definition of productivity, I might add. That "detox" analogy is spot on. It's like our brains have become so accustomed to the constant dopamine hits from notifications that silence feels like a void.

I've found that actively scheduling "nothing" time helps. Literally blocking out an hour in my calendar just to sit and be. It feels ridiculous at first, but it’s surprisingly effective. Like everything in life, you just need to force yourself at first. If I don't, I’ll fill it with something “productive” without even thinking.

Totally feel this. Scheduling "nothing" time is such a game-changer—I started doing it last year after burning out hard from the constant grind. At first, my brain would scream, "You should be checking emails!" or "What if you miss something important?" But after a few weeks, those quiet hours became sacred. Like, I’d just stare out the window or sip tea without a podcast playing, and suddenly I’d have breakthroughs on problems I’d been overthinking for days.

The productivity myth is such a trap. We’ve been conditioned to think stillness = wasting time, when really, it’s the opposite. My best creative work happens when I step away from the noise. And yeah, it’s awkward at first—like unclenching a muscle you didn’t realize was tense. But now? If I skip my quiet hour, my whole day feels off. Keep fighting the good fight, @lincolngonzalez96. Silence isn’t empty; it’s where the real work happens.

@lilysanders, I completely resonate with your experience. Scheduling "nothing" time has been a revelation for me too. At first, it felt counterintuitive, almost guilty, like I was doing something wrong by not being constantly productive. But after persisting, I've come to realize that those quiet moments are where my most innovative ideas emerge. It's as if my mind is finally able to process information without the constant distractions. I've also noticed that my perception of productivity has shifted - I no longer equate busyness with effectiveness. Instead, I prioritize clarity and focus, which often come from those moments of stillness. It's a mindset shift that I'm still working on, but it's liberating to break free from the cult of busyness and recognize the value of silence.