What devices
own you?
Does this appear an incorrect question? Should I have asked, what
devices do you own? Actually No, I asked what I meant, what devices own you.
And I am talking of the likes of phones, computer, tablets etc.
Okay let me state what made me think this way, I was travelling
recently and happened to have some time to witness activity at an airport. Things have
changed in last decade and I have observed it many times, but I took keener
notice this time. Hundreds of people, sitting, walking running in all
directions. Biggest common thing was each one was on some device, chatting,
emailing, talking, searching etc.
There was this excellent picture on an advertisement, the caption
said; “we ensure you stay connected” and it showed a grown up man and a
pre-teens child (likely father and son) sitting at an airport facing each
other, but their eyes sunk in the screens of their handhelds. I couldn’t see how that
displayed being connected? I have rarely seen a father and son more disconnected
than that.
We talk, but with people on the other side of line. We share
jokes, but instead of telling them, we just push the phone screens around for
others to read (or forward). We walk but instead of looking at signs and
asking for directions the maps on handhelds are guiding us.
No don’t take me wrong, I am not against technology or development.
I am all in favor of that and I am proudly associated with the telecom
industry (my primary profession)for last 2 decades. But the scene that I
am trying to retell, never appears like development to me. It seems more like the
control from the “It” (From the book “A wrinkle in time,” and not a reference to
the Information Technology).
Technology, is being continuously enhanced to make our lives easier.
However I think instead of using technology we are getting consumed by it. The
dependency on the devices is increasing every day. Device addiction is reaching
epidemic levels (sadly not under purview of CDC). The generation that is
starting their journey of being a human, kids below age of 12 are not seeing
any other way to live but to refer to a device. The written word has become type written word or speech to text entries (soon to be thought to text).
I do not preach against use of technology, I'd rather promote it. Use it and use it well, but don’t get too used by it. I don’t know how to
correctly pen my feelings but I will end this with a list of items that I would
like me and my family to adopt. Hope that doesn’t alienate us from rest of the
Human race around us.
A)
No devices to kids as a bribe to let grownups unwind
B)
No compulsive checking of Whatsapp/ facebook etc
C)
Follow Mainstream Media rather than Social media (that
too limited) for current events
D)
Conversations instead of screen sharing
E)
Playing games (indoor and outdoor) instead of video
games
F)
Limit screen time (for grownups too)
G)
Be the role model on exercising restraint
H)
Connect face to face, not only device to device
The list can be long. If you agree with my thoughts please share
your list. Let us use the technology rather than being used by It.
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