The third millennium has not brought us flying cars or colonies on the moon. It has not given us the coming of Christ or widespread computer-induced pandemonium. But it has brought, to me at least, an acute awareness of the confusion caused by the infinite voices speaking out in our liberal, mass media culture.

Our society has been built on the premise of freedom. While we are not as psychotic and hypocritical about it as our American neighbours, we nevertheless still adhere staunchly to the belief that everyone should have the right to say whatever they want and be heard. The dizzying spread of communications technology has combined with this democratic urge, creating a psychedelic stew of information that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. The result is rapidly escalating doubt regarding what truly is the "right" thing to do with our lives.

The biggest example is money. Just how important is it? As a planet, we are becoming more inclined toward fighting against violators of human rights and safeguarding the moral foundation of humanity, but money continues to rule.

Ware rage overseas, the plague of AIDS ravages the human race, and the natural ecological balance that keeps all earthly life healthy is upset, yet the pursuit of material wealth continues to look honourable and dignified.

Should my age group, the generation soon to be running this world, focus energy on capitalism or on activism? Should we train to be biologists, political scientists, and social workers in the hopes of having a positive effect on the world, or should we just be lawyers, plastic surgeons, and computer programmers because no one can really make a difference anyway?

In this new millennium, the directives are so diverse, it is nearly impossible to derive a singular, defining imperative. What is the best thing to do? Is it to devote your life to those around you, be a social butterfly, and enjoy yourself? You only live once, after all. Or is the best thing to "make something of yourself," to strive, work, and achieve at the expense of social gratification? Computer nerds are rich and powerful, but they have no style, flair, or savoir faire because they've devoted all their time to machines instead of living things.

What's important? Family, friends, pop stars, body, mind, fun, achievement, wealth, giving, machines, animals, love, style, God, logic, educations, employability, or just what to have for lunch? Our ever-faster march into the future has not provided us with any more answers. Cultural values seem to have evaporated entirely. We regard other cultures that are centred on family or nation as "ethnic" and different, then proceed to become estranged from our own families before we can drive a car.

The most important thing to do in this age of information bombardment is to thing critically. Whenever we are being asked to do, think, say, or feel something, we must actively consider the source of the demand and the source of the information being provided. Always ask whose best interest any source of instruction has in mind. Nine times out of ten it's based on advertisers' profit or on how much others like you.

Why buy nice clothes or party with your friends instead of your family?

Ask who stands to gain as result of your lifestyle choices. Ask why Microsoft is a more lucrative employer than the World Wildlife Foundation. Ask whether any decision you make will improve your image and reputation or your mind and soul. The catch word of the new millennium is "think".