The term "addiction" is used in many contexts to describe an obsession, compulsion, or excessive physical dependence or psychological dependence, such as: drug addiction, alcoholism, compulsive overeating, problem gambling, computer addiction, etc.
The global economy led by the Americans are pursuing an addiction to complexity and the end game of complexity is total collapse. With over 35 years of technology expertise I have seen many aspects of the technology revolution: mainframes, 80 column card readers, 96 column card readers, mini-computers, Apple II and IBM DOS systems, 8" floppy disks, 2.5 MB removable hard drives, etc. Each advancement was seen with excitement. Miniaturization of components added to an expectation of improving our lives, reducing the work week, and providing for a more stable environment. The problem with that expectation is an increase in technology breeds and increase in complexity resulting in an exponential increase in energy to support this type of ecosystem.
An increase in complexity moved to the balance sheets of global financial institutions. Computer models have replaced rational thinking. The IRS code is so complex that there is no one person who could claim full understanding of the tax law. Current tax returns must be done by "tax software" if they contain any sophisticated investments at all. Stock trading can be done by a click of a mouse now. This eliminates "dwelling" on an investment prior to the act of investment and that is why that 90-95% of day traders lose money.
Don’t get me wrong, proper use of technology is beneficial just as a glass of wine is in line with Scripture. Excess is where the problem lies. Who determines excess? The one in authority. How should the determination be made? By seeking revelation from above. I met a man who was a CEO of a Minneapolis manufacturing company. At lunch, he shared that all of his major decisions came in the early morning as he was seeking the Lord’s perfect will for the company. He was highly successful and retired at the top of his game.
Wall Street is preparing to hand out bonuses. Those bonuses are based on performance, creativity, and impact to the bottom line. Everybody is looking for an edge and they think additional technology is the answer served up as new financial models, faster computers, more monitors, and quicker communications lines. It has been shown that an investor could have made 3 or 4 major investments in minutes at critical points in the last 40 years, and would have outperformed all of the major investment strategies publicized today which utilizes computer modeling trading strategies scrutinized hourly for years.
At various times throughout history Our Heavenly Father has placed society into an intervention program. Withdrawal can be tough. People have become "addicted" to idols, power, conquests, quail, murmuring to name a few. Judgment became necessary as the children of Israel continually looked away from their relationship with Jehovah and pursued other avenues. The Book of Judges provides a great example of this recurring problem.
Addiction requires intervention to break the cycle. The enablers must be removed from the equation for an interruption to occur. Frequently the addicted person (or society) must hit bottom in order to come to the realization of exactly what got them to the place they are at. Up cycles are balanced out by down cycles both in length and severity. Seven years of plenty are followed by seven years of famine.
It appears that most economic thinking about the current crisis assumes we want to retain the current status quo or way of life. I believe a paradigm shift must occur to rid ourselves of this system destined to fail. People think they are entitled to things and services without working for them in an honest manner utilizing the gifts they have been given by our Creator. A reduction in complexity and an increase in revelation will solve the problem!