Smart Balance

Are we going to let technology rule us and ruin us? Or can we master humanness in the face of a technological onslaught?

- Babita Chopra

We live in amazing times. Driverless cars, work getting done at the click of buttons, drones delivering packages, etc. The rapid improvements in technology have transformed how we work, and in most cases have made our jobs easier. The effect of technology and gadgets is visible in all aspects of our lives. Machines, automobiles, smartphones, tabs, laptops, and whatnot! We cannot live for a second without technology. On one hand, we have become physically, psychologically, socially and emotionally dependent on technology, on the other hand, there is another effect too - it's removing the need for a human being altogether.

Slowly, the world is shrinking so much that there is hardly any need for human interaction. There used to be so many interactions between humans. Since there was a need for human contact, bonds kept developing too, especially in the case of relationships. There were avenues to interact with parents, siblings and so many times with strangers too. Gradually it has been cut down to a very large extent and many things have been phased out.

In earlier times, children had time to lie down on their mother's lap, chat with grandparents while sitting next to them, hug them, sit on their back or shoulders, etc. But currently, both the elderly and the young ones are all busy in the tech world! Even to convey a feeling of love and emotions, E- hugs, and Emojis are sent via their mobiles.

When we were hungry, we would request our moms and grandmas to make us something to eat. We reciprocated a need for each other. Now, Swiggy, Uber, Dunzo, etc., satiate these needs in minutes.