"… eventually found himself in a rabbit hole" (S44)

… eventually found himself in a rabbit hole. He initially started watching videos explaining christianity, but would soon find himself absorbing knowledge on Islam, Buddhism, and the religious beliefs of tribes in the small island developing states. Jesse had never put much thought into religion in his life. However, he found the current situation comforting. Overwhelmed by the burdens of everyday life, the ability to watch youtube shorts and consume knowledge for knowledge's sake -- thereby enabling him to escape life for a while -- just seemed right on this particular day. He enjoyed the fact that, unlike is the case in face to face interactions, you do not need to commit to anything when watching videos. You do not need to respond to people's questions; you can make grimaces whenever you disagree with a piece of information that is provided without stepping on somebody else's toes; you can pause the video when you dissociate in thoughts. In brief, you let yourself become immersed in a fountain of knowledge while at the same time keeping a cautious distance from the water that washes away your innocence and ignorance. Before Jesse knew it, it was 10 p.m. He had not done anything he should have done and by now had 47 unread messages. Jesse opened the Deliveroo app, ordered a pizza, did a New York Times crossword puzzle and went to bed. Knowing himself, he was aware that while the topic that caught his attention would change, tomorrow would be the same thing all over again. So would the day, the month, and the year after. He had become a slave to knowledge consumption.