Self-Liberation from Convenience Stores and SubscriptionsIt is no exaggeration to say that we in modern times live literally inside "boxes." Twenty-four-hour convenience stores ceaselessly satisfy our appetites and desires for daily necessities, while subscription content accessible from smartphones in the palm of our hand infinitely fills our mental voids and thirst for knowledge. In my previous essay, I examined the convenience these "boxes" bring, the temptation of "efficiency" that lurks behind them, and the dilution of autonomy and creativity. In this essay, I will elaborate on how the logic of these "boxes" shapes our choices and perceptions in contemporary society, and explore concrete, practical pathways through which we can liberate ourselves and pursue true richness.The Comfort of the BoxThe comfort of the modern "box" can be deeply understood through the concept of structuralism proposed by Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. Saussure argued that the meaning of language does not inhere in individual words themselves, but rather emerges only through the "differences" and "relationships" between words. He conceived of language as a system—like pieces on a chessboard—where each piece derives its value not from standing alone, but from its positioning relative to other pieces and the rules governing their movements. Applying this thinking, we can see that modern convenience stores and subscription services also function as vast "structures."Imagine the shelves of a convenience store. Not only are individual products arranged, but every element—placement, point-of-purchase displays, sale information—is meticulously calculated. A particular rice ball feels "delicious" not merely because of its intrinsic taste, but because it has been "positioned" as such within a "system of differences" that includes comparisons with competing products, time of day, in-store background music, and even one's mood that day. The products we unconsciously reach for, while appearing to be free choices, are often the result of being presented as "optimal" within that structure.In the world of subscription content, this domination by "structure" becomes even more sophisticated. Every video we click, song we listen to, and article we read is recorded as data, and AI (artificial intelligence) learns our preferences, thought patterns, and even emotional fluctuations. The content recommended based on this data appears to fit our tastes perfectly, but simultaneously harbors the danger of confining our worldview within an "optimized" range. The "recommended for you" list presented by algorithms embodies what Saussure called "syntagmatic relations"—specific clusters of information presented in sequence that guide our perception in particular directions. We operate within this "system of signs" created by algorithms, under the illusion of infinite choices, when in reality we are only thinking and choosing within boundaries defined by that structure.The comfort this "box" provides can be said to arise from the stability generated when the system incorporates us into its "structure." We become accustomed to minimizing the cognitive cost of thinking as optimal choices are constantly presented and the labor of troublesome comparisons and information gathering is eliminated. We play the roles assigned to us within this structure and gain a certain sense of security by enjoying the "meaning" the system provides. This resonates with Saussure's concept in language that "even though the signified (meaning content) is arbitrarily combined with the signifier (sign expression), meaning is formed by the establishment of that relationship." We could say we accept the signifier of "optimized choices" and are given the signified of "free choice."The Lament Brought by Deepening BoxesHowever, the deepening of these "boxes" brings us new vulnerabilities. This is the deceptiveness inherent in the structure, hidden behind the mere pursuit of convenience. When we become aware of this reality, we may feel deep lament upon recognizing that this "comfort" is an ingenious device to rob us of our free will and creativity, confining us within the framework of "optimized consumers."Algorithmic personalization filters the information we encounter, increasing our exposure to information that reinforces existing beliefs. This leads to lost opportunities for contact with people holding different opinions and values, potentially accelerating societal division. The phenomena of so-called "filter bubbles" and "echo chambers" are typical vulnerabilities brought by these "boxes." Algorithms syntagmatically combine specific clusters of information, showing us only one "narrative," thereby limiting the "differences" in information and narrowing our field of vision.The infinitely supplied content constantly captures our attention, causing digital fatigue. Phenomena like smartphone addiction and social media exhaustion are harmful effects of excessive information consumption within these "boxes." Moreover, as real human relationships and physical activities decrease and digital interactions become central, our divergence from the real world progresses, potentially leading to loneliness and attenuated human connections. We may be experiencing a disconnection from "lived experience" existing outside as we immerse ourselves excessively in a "world of signs."The convenience of convenience stores and the "non-ownership" consumption model of subscriptions appear at first glance to align with effective resource utilization and minimalism. However, behind this lies an established structure that constantly provides new products and content, promoting consumption. Inexpensive convenience store products and unlimited viewing and listening content accelerate our consumption behavior, ultimately leading to excessive production and waste, and harboring sustainability challenges of environmental burden. This phenomenon can be interpreted as the structuralist concept of "differentiation" expanding into material consumption, promoting consumption by constantly creating new differences.The automation and efficiency that "boxes" provide make our lives convenient while also potentially rendering certain skills obsolete. For example, routine work that AI can replace may no longer require human labor in the future. We face new pressure to continuously adapt to constantly changing environments and acquire new skills. We seem to be forced to participate in an endless game where we must continually acquire new signs (skills) within the "sign system."In light of Saussure's structuralism, we have, before we knew it, confined ourselves within this "cage of signs." And when we realize that our acclimatization to the comfort of that cage has resulted in the loss of truly free choices and our own agency, we cannot help but feel deep lament.Conscious Severance from Structure and CreationWithin this "box," how should we liberate ourselves, protect our dignity and possibilities as human beings, and pursue true richness? This requires not merely a passive stance of "resistance," but an active approach of conscious "severance" and "creation." Escape from the "structure" suggested by Saussure is nothing other than creating new "differences" ourselves.Looking Outside the StructureActively incorporate experiences using the five senses that cannot be obtained digitally. For example, reading physical books, writing letters by hand, walking in nature, cooking from scratch, or trying DIY projects. These deepen thought, stimulate creativity, and nurture richness of heart. This is an attempt to generate new meaning ourselves by leaving the world of "signs" optimized by algorithms and touching non-symbolic, raw experience.Time spent on purposeless walks or simply people-watching at cafes—seemingly "wasteful" time—is precisely where new ideas and insights can emerge. By consciously distancing ourselves from efficiency, we create mental space. It is within the "margins" that algorithms do not permit that the possibility of our own "agency" can sprout.Examining Consumption BehaviorEven when choosing products at convenience stores, strive to be conscious of the production processes behind those products, corporate ethics, and environmental impacts. Rather than selecting simply because something is "convenient," we question how that product is positioned within the "structure of differences" and choose in accordance with our own values.While enjoying the convenience of the "non-ownership" consumption model that subscription services bring, cultivate the discernment to identify what truly should be "owned" and used long-term. Also consider utilizing the sharing economy and secondhand markets, maintaining sustainable consumption behavior. This is an attitude of departing from "consumption as signs" and exploring alternative structural principles such as essential value and sustainability.In contemporary society, "boxes" are unavoidable, and their convenience has already become part of our lives. However, we should recognize the "system of signs" aspect that these "boxes" bring, and rather than casually entrusting ourselves to it, seek paths to self-liberation through conscious "severance" and "creation."In our daily lives—commuting with convenience store coffee in hand while listening to subscription music—we must constantly ask ourselves: "Am I truly living by my own will within this 'box'?" That question itself will serve as the compass guiding us beyond the framework of "optimized" consumers toward true richness and freedom as human beings. How will we reconstruct our humanity and create the future within this digitalized world? The answer depends on the consciousness and actions of each one of us.ReferencesConsiderations on Information Control and Self-Recognition in the Information SocietyConsumer Behavioral Changes and Ethical Issues in the Digital EconomyResearch on Cognitive Science and Information Generation by AlgorithmsThe Relationship Between Individuals and Community in Contemporary SocietyEconomic Perspectives on Sustainable Consumption and ProductionPsychological Foundations of Individual Agency and CreativityFerdinand de Saussure, Course in General Linguistics