Two Sides of Digital & Technical Inventions

Introduction

The 21 st century has been the main frame of digital and technical inventions. Man had made so much effort to invent such things, which has made his survival handy in the present era. One of these, were the invention of ‘Computers’. We can say that computers are vital part of our lives. No doubt, the advancement in the technology has made life so much easier but, it came with a price. We rely so much on technology like computers even for simple tasks. I believe that it is not the computer who make people isolated but it is the excessive use of it. And, use of computer beyond normal limits cause many physical, psychological and health issues.

Explanation

People of today’s society are of the opinion that computer is the blessing of modern science that make their lives more comfortable and handy. It is easy to use and can solve multiple functions in seconds. I agree that computers are highly beneficial in the modern world of technology but we can’t deny the fact that it is not any less in drawbacks. Technology like computer with access to social media sites can be a destructive combination for a person. It is an addiction. People usually like to spend most of their time on the computer surfing internet, using social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, which cost them more than just time. People sitting next to each other would like to send an emoji on the social media app than to express their feelings directly. Texting can never be as same as talking in person because emotions can’t be captures in the words. It can cause miscommunication leading towards misunderstandings. Professor Brian Primack, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said: “We are inherently social creatures, but modern life tends to compartmentalize us instead of bringing us together”

As, humans are often termed as ‘social animals’, so the role social media plays greatly affects person-to-person interactions. Before evolution of social media, face-to-face interactions were normal. But now they tend to use computers to communicate rather than to use their God gifted skills. Undoubtedly, the computers make people lonely and isolated. For instance, people can be standing right next to each other without saying a word, because they can’t get their eyes off of the screen of pocket computers they hold in their hands. They get so indulge in these things that they can’t get their minds off of the pictures, clips, statuses that other can post.

Moreover, social media gives a platform where one can share about him whatever he wants. One can easily modify and exaggerate about him. It can create an illusion of real friendship, that in real life not even close to the boundary of the demands that genuine friendship requires. A night at home with 500 fictional friends can never be compared to an evening out with a real friend. Just like that 50 texts a day can never be compared to 5 minutes of face-to-face, honest conversation.

In 1998, Robert Kraut with his colleagues did experiments on ‘Internet Paradox’ and stated that “Greater use of Internet was associated with decline in the person’s communication with family and friends and decline in the size of their social circle and increase in their depression and loneliness”. Kraut said: “A technology for online social contact, actually led to reduction of offline social ties.” Above quote, states the very powerful reality about the online friendships. Usually people who build relations on mere an app, give more importance to the fake relations than real ones that weakens the bond they have with the people present around them for real.

Humans are psychologically build to meet and greet people. But, modern era has made a person’s life limited. People living in the same house has no time to talk or greet each other. They don’t even know what’s going on around them with their family and relatives, because they are living in an imaginary world making hundreds of friends on mere an app. They take no interests in family issues and household tasks. They would spend their whole day laying idly in front of their computer screens for texting, commenting, liking, posting on media apps like Facebook. Relationships began to wither as they stop going to social gatherings, skip family get- togethers and stop visiting friends just to get more time to spend on computers. Studies shows that almost 65% of Internet users donotspend time with friends and family.

Besides social media, the advanced operating system of computers has appealed the audience to great extent. As, technology can never be stopped from progressing, the highly modified andprogressed system are in use. Gaming consoles like Play Stations (PS), Xbox have fascinated the crowd to incredible degree. Kids, teenagers even adults can’t get away with the charm of video games. Many research analyses have shown that playing violent video games have detrimental effects on kid’s behaviors, as they get aggressive so easily on minor things. The term ‘pathological gaming’ is being used for video gaming addiction. Pathological gaming is likely to develop anxiety, depression, insomnia and social isolation. This also affect their academic records.

A survey has shown that 47% of addicted video game players got poor grades. One must be aware of the consequences of heavy usage of such things, so that these things don’t destroy the chances he gets to improvise his life. “You don’t get another chance. Life is no Nintendo Game” (Eminem) Eminem says that life is not a video game where you can use an extra life or try again. You only get one life, so it matters how you spend it. Almost every developed and under developed countries have access to internet. About one and a half century ago, people would gather and sit in groups and talk for hours about the things they newly learnt and share that information with their fellows. These type of group meetings and discussions were considered to be the most valuable place where you can learn. But, since almost every single bit of information about past and near future is present on the internet. So, people prefer to surf the internet alone than to gather up the mates to have healthy discussions.

People of this world seem to be comfortable in isolation. Spending excessive time in front of computer cause people to lack interest in the real world and make a fake world of their own. This affects their psychological and social skills. This also reduce their communication skills, as they don’t talk just type. “The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” (Bernard Shaw) Bernard Shaw, very beautifully narrated the main problem with communication. As, people communicate they usually thinks that have successfully delivered their message. But, sometimes it is not properly received by the person they were talking to. This type of misapprehension can cause misunderstandings.

Childhood is the age where one learns and grow. Computers did not left children out of this trap of obsession. They like to play games on computers all day alone than to play healthy games outdoor, and talk to their friends, parent, siblings. This kind of addiction of computers for children is highly dangerous for their intellectual skills. They would adapt to be alone than to be friendly, which cause them to lose their confidence and communication skills. The deficiency of communication skills in people made this world a place with no manners. People have no idea how to talk to their elders, how to address someone, how to deal with other people, how to obey parents. I can see the complete loss of communication skills and manners in coming generations. We must work on our communication skills. As John Powell said: “Communication work for those who works at it.” Communication is the part of our existence. It is a fundamental act, which help us to connect with others. Technology rules the world of communication, and it is easy to get lost in it. But communicating face-to-face helps to establish strong friendships and connections. We must build our communication skills, so that we can live an effective life.

Conclusion

Computers were not invented for people to get obsessed with, but to ease their lives. But, the extreme and unnecessary use of computers, gaming consoles, social media have upset the natural balance of a person’s life. There are a number of things wrong with the usage of computers that must be taken under consideration. And one must use computer for some reason or purpose to work, not for entertainment only. One must try to keep his social life in balance. In order to build weak social relationships one must not lose physical relationships he already have. The thing is that relationships can never be replaced with technology.

References:

1. By Maggie Warrel: https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/05/24/text-or-talk-is-technology-making-you-lonely/#7e98005b2a7b
2. Bangladesh e-journal of sociology: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.589.9255&rep=rep1&type=pdf
3. Video gaming: http://www.momjunction.com/articles/effects-of-video-games-on- teenagers_00352668/#PositiveAndNegativeEffectsOfVideoGamesOnTeenagers2