The ills of technology

The advent of technology has truly revolutionized human life. It has indeed made our living, hassle-free, easy, and above all, comfortable. All these have happened at the expense of the erosion of traditional human values practiced for years by our ancestors in our life, like taking time to talk to each other, paying a visit to homes of friends and relatives, and attending marriages or funerals in person.

Today, we ask about each other’s health, convey congratulatory messages, New Year greetings by SMS or emails. It has been accepted norm to send SMS and emails to do these activities.

In the past, we take time to meet friends and relatives to inquire about their health, attend family function and funerals in person. It was unacceptable for one at that time if a person doesn’t attend social events in person.

But today, it is the other way around. I remember a relative of mine said “Just SMS me for your son’s wedding. That suffices, and no need for wedding invitation card.”

Basic human values and requirements are slowly and assuredly are not being practiced nowadays with the coming of technology. I remember reading a newspaper report (NST, 16 Oct 2011) stating the technology has led to parents and children spending less quality time with each other.  Studies show parents spend about 8 minutes a day with their kids, mostly giving instructions and directives to carry out duties and daily chores.

Today, many spend more and more time or rather obsessed with technological gadgets like internet, hand-phones and the like, instead of communicating with family members. Family members are glued to television and spend hours together, but sadly not communicating with each other. 

It is even reported that many spend hours on the internet, chatting, browsing, up-dating face-book and twitting. Even parents send emails and SMS to their children although they stay under the same roof. It is mockery, but a fact of life today. All these happen as each and every one of us are busy in our own way.

At times, it is an irony that we call up friend staying away from us and chat for a long time, but our spouses and children who are just in our midst are not communicated. Our family members will value and appreciate the togetherness when we talk to each other and spend time with them.

The question that arises: Where are we heading? Once a renowned anthropologist said man is a social being. I wonder whether such a definition can be accepted today. Probably, socializing is taking a different form, through these technological gadgets and instruments. Maybe, it is for the better or worse, we are yet to know it.