Technology and Changing Society: A Critical View

We are living in an era of technological advancement, especially that of the information technology, where at a press of a button on your handset everything is displayed on your screen. We get the latest news and information about the happenings around us. Technology has no doubt helped us in many ways for instance in education, it give easy access to information, social networking, improved communication system etc.  However there are many areas that we have overlooked. For instance information technology has improved the communication system but we have become strangers to the person living next door. We are witnessing a rapid change in the interaction and relation of human with fellow being. We are alienated from our own being in many respects.

Allow me to share some personal experiences. As I grew up, side by side, there was also tremendous advancement in technology but this technology has segregated us from one another. I still can recall the fond memories of my childhood days. When I was young I spend time with my parents listening to them, their advices, their stories etc. I still remember the times I spent with friends in the neighbourhood (those were the days before technology overtook). Today, what we see is totally a different picture, children’s don’t have time to sit with their parents instead they are too busy with their gadgets and children think it’s a waste of time sitting with their parents and elders and listening to them.

During our college days we are not much exposed to technology and therefore whenever there are any assignments we made use of the college library books to finish our assignments. Now students rush for internet for their assignments, I don’t deny the helpfulness of the internet but my point is- the habit of reading is declining and moreover the authenticity and creditability of the materials we get from the internet can be questioned.

Recreation in those days involves physical strength which keeps the body active and healthy. Today recreation is of different types however it involves less physical strength (e.g. computer games) and therefore is prone to attract different health related problems.

There is an adverse affect on the culture too. Many of the cultural values are also degrading. When we were young, our parent always tells us that it is the obligation of the younger one to greet the elders first however this practice is declining. In early days, if a younger one is being first greeted by an elder then it is considered to be a shame. There are many other cultural values and practices that have also been affected by technology.

Men are being alienated from one another. The values of the society are degrading in many ways. Technology also affects the environment in various ways. There can also be many other anti-social elements which can be associated with the use of technology. Proper socialisation at early age is the need of the hour. We should spend more time with family and friends. I am not against the use of technology, in fact technology has helped us in various ways, but there should be a balance and it should be used in a positive way. Parents and elders can play an important role by regulating the use of gadgets by the younger ones.

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