Beyond the echo chamber

Are we so focused upon demolition that we're failing to recognise and embrace the advances being made in allied industry sectors?

I rarely watch TV these days. While my wife consumes endless true crime dramas, I am usually to be found in the corner with my laptop. I can watch hours of video tutorials, teaching myself the finer details of video production and editing and LiveStreaming best practice. Yet I hardly ever watch content with even a remote connection to the field of demolition and construction.

In truth, although my daily LiveStream - The Break Fast Show - now has its own voice, feel and vibe, it was modelled after an American YouTuber called Kirk Nugent; and he operates in a field about as far removed from demolition as it is possible to get. He is a Christian preacher who, even when he is talking about the intricacies of LiveStreaming, can weave his faith into the story.

I mention all of this as I have been wondering just how often demolition people venture outside the demolition bubble. Some meet regularly at industry exhibitions and trade association gatherings where demolition people talk about demolition with other demolition people. But there is a danger that this can become an echo chamber; the same people talking about the same things and coming up with the same suggestions and solutions; the same old industry voices holding sway over popular opinion; an endless loop without end, progress or resolution.

In many ways, this mirrors the concerns around how online algorithms serve up "news" of the kind that users have previously favoured. If you look at a lot of left or right-leaning news sites, sooner or later the algorithm will serve that up as a matter of course. Rather than getting a balanced view of the issues of the day, your perceived views are merely reinforced and replicated.

So are demolition people being exposed to developments, innovations and ideas from outside their chosen sector? Are they aware of the innovations in autonomy taking place in the mining sector? Are they paying attention to the future fuel revolutions taking place in the automotive and transportation arena? Are they being being exposed to the advances in attachments made within the agricultural and forestry industry? Are they keeping abreast of sustainability initiatives taking place within the construction and the waste sector?

Focusing upon the industry within which they work is entirely understandable. But are we convinced that the future direction for demolition will be created entirely from within the sector? Are we absolutely sure that we have all the answers, including those to questions that have yet to be raised? Are we so smug and naive to believe that we have nothing to learn from allied and even non-allied industry sectors?

While you're mulling that over, I am off to learn about video colour correction from an American man who speaks regularly to God.