Technology; A Nuisance or Blessing

 

As we are all living in the age of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial intelligence (AI), which has also taken overwhelming control of our daily lives. It makes our lives more luxurious as compared to older times. Gone were the days when we were doing  most of the chores physically that required physical effort more than mental that led us to physical exhaustion. Consequently, definition of luxury was quite different from what we have today. 

Although, we are breathing in a more comfortable and lucrative world and also have access to numerous facilities, which were unthinkable even for the elite of primitive times. But here the question arises, are we, the folks of 21st century, living happily, satisfied and mentally cheerful life ?

According to the World health Organisation's (WHO) recent research statistics of mental health that 1 out of 13 persons, globally, suffers from anxiety. The WHO reports that anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness in United States, which is among the most developed countries of the world. Moreover, It has also been mentioned in the research of “Anxiety and Depression Association of America” (ADAA) that anxiety and depression are rampant in US, the statistics of 2020 unfolded a huge swell of 62% found in comparison with preceding year, which is a highly alarming condition.

After looking at the list of nations suffering mental illnesses most, interestingly US position at the top, with the highest numbers of victims. On the very second position, no one else but people republic of China, the nation with the highest growth rate on all fronts. The list goes on but it is, I guess, enough for us to grasp our required answers. Because we can, surely, say that there is no country in the world with such highly advanced technology in every field than US and china.

The statistics and enumerations mentioned above revealed that technological advancements can never be mere found advantageous in raising well-being of masses. There are a plethora of other factors involved in maintaining satisfaction level of people. Factors essential for holding the contentment graph of citizenry higher are myriad and, to clasp all elements in a single paper is likely unattainable.

What we are conferred with after tech-revolution, pros and cons, let's weigh both aspects for impartial opinion. Undoubtedly, the transformations technology brings into our lives in the last decade are immeasurable. A renowned historian and author of many best-selling books, “Yuval Noah Harari” mentioned in his bestselling book, “The 21 lessons for 21st century,” that the speed of advancement in information technology sector is rampant and reaching 80% since last decade. We can imagine that how fast we are going in pursuance of our technological dreams. But Yuval Noah Harari also opined, this is proving to be fatal for human beings, because Artificial intelligence is growing faster than human approach.

The most generally known product of info-tech is social media which almost everyone, who has access to internet, can use and connect to the world. And it has brought an extraordinary switch in the life of an ordinary man, through which one can have access to any corner of the planet any time and find anything of his choice. Indeed, Internet made the world a global village. Likewise, It has also provided enormous platforms for people to progress in every walk of life as education, business, research etc., and live a quality life.

Furthermore, It is unequivocal that info-tech has transformed our lives rapidly. Not only that, but It has also generated many opportunities for youngsters and especially for those, who couldn't afford to join outdoor jobs for making their future bright. Simply, in present times no one remained futile. Everyone has a lot more opportunities than one could even imagine in PRE tech-revolution era.

In the upheaval of COVID-19, technology suggests us a number of new ways to cope with pandemic. In education sector, by using IT, we diminish our losses which could give us rigorous blow. Similarly, In the wake of COVID-19, we struggled through many strict lockdowns which barred us from going outside except in emergency cases. During lockdowns a lot of companies have started offering their online services, which is proving beneficial for inhabitants as well as national economy. 

There are a number of new musical video sharing applications i.e. TikTok, likee etc. have emerged and widened the scope for youngsters striving to dive into media industry. In gone times, almost a decade ago these perks were not available for everyone but for very limited aspirants.

There are always a give and take situation occurs in the globe. What is the reciprocal in return to technology's such huge facilitations?

Actually, majority of people are unaware of what technology is doing with their physical and mental health. Lackadaisical behaviour is prompting among youngsters. They are getting inactive by distancing themselves from extracurricular activities, sports and nature. Outdoor games are crucial in maintaining sound body and mind, but info-tech has developed video gaming culture which is prevailing day by day.

Excessive video gaming is perilous for mental as well as for physical health. Because young generation is more plunged into playing violent video games which perturb their thinking patterns and influence their behaviour intensely. Therefore, emotional imbalance and obesity is on surge, due to which pessimism and absent-mindedness are growing and trumpeting for colossal jeopardy. 

In the same way, screen addiction is a modern day menace, and is equally spreading among youngsters and elders. We can easily find people handcuffed with their mobile phones glued with screens and, rambling in streets like 'zombies' without paying any heed to their surroundings. This screen addiction is a slow-poison, which escalates focusing issues and undermines mind retention power. Most of the times, we all used to confront this predicament, whenever we intended for being productive and decided not to waste our precious time in scrolling over social media, but we find ourselves again swamped into unproductive activities like imbibing irrelevant knowledge from social media. 

In reality, social media made us very unsocial.

We can protect ourselves against the menace of technology by adopting moderate approach towards its use. By limiting our screen time, except productive use, we can enhance our grip over distractions. Particularly, children are more vulnerable to screen addiction so, elders must keep an eye over their screen time and on other online activities. Because indecent material is easily accessible nowadays, which is pernicious for morality and teenagers are more prone to indecency. Yes, moral values are no less prestigious than human existence. A self-restricted strategy to impede ourselves from unnecessary use of modern gadgets is inevitable. 

This is an insensible plague, spreading rapidly, and we are all getting prey to this. Technology is growing with unstoppable speed. Now It's up to us;how we guard ourselves against this looming threat by reviewing our daily routine and outcome. 

One thing must be kept in mind whilst using technology, “are we using technology or being used by it.” 

Technology is for us; we are not for technology.