Saba Waqas |
We, the urban dwellers, exhibit a varying degree of gadget fixation. Where it has made our life convenient, undemanding, and beneficial, one can put all kinds of synonyms here on the advantages of technology, it has also introduced new traits that threaten to extract humane factor out of humans. The demands of the fast-paced world and accelerating competition are rapidly giving birth to a situation which can be well described as robotic life.
The empathy factor is missing due to excessive use of gadgets, electronics, mobiles etc. We lack manners, discipline, and punctuality in our lives. People are suffering from various mental disorders, depression, loneliness, and other ailments; all because of no restriction and control on the usage of electronic devices. From an early age, parents give mobile phones to their young kids, hence the process of addiction starts and then there’s no end to it. To be honest it’s unavoidable in today’s age and time.
The demands of the fast-paced world and accelerating competition are rapidly giving birth to a situation which can be well described as robotic life.
Moreover, our behaviour too is dependent on mobile devices. Our interpersonal relations are dealt more on social media then in real life. Hence, it is rightly true to say our entire life revolves around the internet. Therefore, it’s more crucial to have a balanced and well-defined strategy to counteract these issues. What course of action or methodology we follow will stand the test of time. The sooner we incorporate some orderliness in our lives, the chances are we’ll have more benefits from the rise of technology. Following are few techniques to inculcate in our lives:
1) Healthy Diversion
Sitting on mobiles, iPad, laptops’ screen the entire day will never bring you happiness, one needs to get out from his/her comfort zone and needs to adapt activities. If you are a parent then get involved in activities with your kids, it will be beneficial for both the parties. Sports, travelling, social work are just a few outdoor activities which one can encourage in their lifestyle.
It’s all about changing your mindset and working a little harder for the reforms to ameliorate living standards. Make extra effort to go out and meet people. Start spending time with family and friends. Ensure your children are occupied with alternatives to screen time. Studies show that being involved with your children while they are in front of the screens makes them interact more with you.
Our interpersonal relations are dealt more on social media then in real life. Hence, it is rightly true to say our entire life revolves around the internet.
2) Digital Education
Research has found out that a young kid’s risk for depression is like 27% when he or she frequently uses social media. Kids who use their phones for at least three hours a day are much more likely to be suicidal. Two giant tech figures Bill Gates and Steve Jobs seldom let their kids play with the very products they helped create. Two authors; Joe Clement and Matt Miles in their recent book, “Screen schooled; Two veteran teachers expose how technology overuse is making our kids dumber” wrote, “what is it these wealthy tech executives know about their own products that their consumers don’t?”
Gates didn’t let his kids get cell phones until they turned 14. Steve Jobs, who was the CEO of Apple until his death in 2012, revealed in a 2011 New York Times interview that he prohibited his kids from using the newly-released iPad. “We limit how much technology our kids use at home,” Jobs told reporter Nick Bilton. Therefore, it’s forebodingly hidden for all of us to take precautions now or else it will be too late. Our schools should give proper knowledge about the use of technology. There should be a designated subject on digital education and its limited use. The government should bring regulations to restrict mobile usage.
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3) Create a mindset of a gadget life balance
When one reads anywhere regarding digital control on kids, there’s always given this instruction to allow one hour to kids during the entire day though I don’t agree with this theory as it creates a bad environment for both the parent and children. Accept the fact that we as parents have no control over our usage of phones and all other digital devices, we ourselves are not good role models, therefore a stable mindset is a right approach towards this complication.
Kids who use their phones for at least three hours a day are much more likely to be suicidal.
Here, one needs to impart balance relationship with mobiles and factual life. Balanced mindset leads to a balanced lifestyle. By knowing the pros and cons of the excessive use of technology, one can get organized and can shape up its life accordingly. Knowing is knowledge, don’t disregard the hazards of mobiles rather accept them and get organized. Go to bed early, put aside your gadgets, rise early, take a walk outdoors, breathe in what’s nature has gifted you, have a
carpe diem moment. Show your kids how to limit the use of mobiles by doing that yourself first, teach them manners for example, in public places or while talking to someone they should set aside their phones and give proper attention to the other person, this will automatically minimize the use of mobile phones or the likes.
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And is nowadays called; phubbing which is described as the habit of snubbing someone in favour of a mobile phone. When some close relative is sick take your kids to know the wellbeing of that patient in person, instead of wishing them on social platforms. Make life more practical; try to gradually decrease its usage in the home.
Conclusion
Digital media is part of our society, which can’t be ignored but controlled through a combination of discipline and common sense. The Internet is a multifaceted portal if used in the right manner, one will be blessed with prosperous outcomes, hence use technology wisely. There’s no wizardry involved, those who want to achieve something meaningful in life must learn to strike a balance between reality and technology.
Saba Waqas lives in Islamabad her interests are cooking, travelling, and exploring various cultures, additionally, she writes articles regarding social matters. The views expressed in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.