Alan Titchmarsh has shared his ‘fear for the future’ as he admits he is concerned that people are losing their connection to the outside world and nature as they rely more on technology
Alan Titchmarsh has voiced his concerns about the future following a wave of online criticism.
The former host of Gardeners’ World is worried that an over-reliance on technology could lead to people losing touch with nature. This concern has led Alan to utilise technology in order to assist budding gardeners.
The 76-year-old frequently posts gardening advice on his social media platform, Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh. However, he admits that there’s a darker side to social media, as many have taken issue with his comments regarding avocados.
The TV personality encouraged people to swap the trendy fruit for more cereal consumption, arguing it’s better for the environment. This sparked a backlash from trade bodies who argue that avocados have a “positive ecological footprint than often believed”.
This experience has led Alan to express his worry about a world where people are overly dependent on social media. He believes it “encourages bitterness and arguing.”
In a chat with The Telegraph, he expressed: “I’m fearful of a world that relies more and more on technology and social media, because it reduces the connection with the outside world and nature, and in turn reduces the connection with the bigger picture of taking care of it. You need to feel and experience nature or see it.”
While Alan acknowledges that people will inherently have differences of opinion, he advocates for a society where disagreements aren’t laced with “insulting” remarks. He clarifies his stance on social media by saying: “Social media is both a good servant and a bad master. I’m not a Luddite and I’m not saying social media shouldn’t exist. Just that it seems to encourage a lot of bitterness and arguing.”
He further notes the disproportionate attention that his comments on mundane topics like avocados receive online, asserting: “Just look at the way my avocado comments have blown up over the years. You’re allowed your opinion, and I’m allowed mine. You can disagree but you can do so without being disagreeable and insulting.”
Alan actively contributes to his social media pages, posting useful advice on growing fruits and veggies from home, cultivating small garden spaces, and raising plants from seeds. He took his green fingers digital with the launch of his YouTube channel last month.
Embarking on a distinguished media journey nearly 50 years ago, Alan initially cut his teeth editing gardening books in the 1970s, eventually publishing books of his own creation.
He made the leap into broadcasting in 1977 with Radio 4 and later shifted to television in 1983, becoming a familiar face as the host of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Today, you can catch him presenting Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV One every Sunday morning.
Television viewers can settle in at 9.30am to watch Alan chat with notable figures including actor Larry Lamb, screenwriter Lynda La Plante, and presenter Kirsty Gallacher on the show.
The programme also promises segments with Camilla Bassett-Smith planting veggies and updates from shepherdess Susie Parish on her adorable litter of border collie pups.