Technology rendering society cold

TECHNOLOGY has truly revolutionised human life. It has indeed made living hassle-free, easy, and above all, comfortable.

But all this has taken its toll on traditional human values like taking time to talk to each other, visiting friends and relatives, and attending marriages or funerals.

Today, we ask about each other’s health, convey congratulatory messages and New Year greetings by SMS or email. It has become the accepted norm.

In the past, we took time to meet friends and relatives to inquire about their health, and attend family functions and funerals. It was unacceptable for a person to not be personally present at social events.

But today, it is the other way around. I remember a relative of mine saying: “Just SMS me on your son’s wedding. That suffices, no need for a wedding invitation card.”

Basic human values and requirements are not being practised nowadays.

I remember a newspaper report stating that technology had led to parents and children spending less quality time with each other.

Studies show parents spend about eight minutes a day with their kids, mostly giving instructions and directives to carry out duties and daily chores.

Today, many spend more and more time on – or rather are obsessed with – technological gadgets like the Internet and mobile phones instead of in face to face communication.

Family members spend hours together – glued to the television screen and, sadly, not communicating with one another.

It is even reported that many spend hours on the Internet, chatting, browsing, updating Facebook and twitting. Parents even send email and SMS to their children even though they stay under the same roof.

It is a mockery, but a sad fact of life today. All these happen because each and every one of us is busy in our own way.

It is an irony that at times we call up friends staying far from us and chat for a long time, yet are not communicating with our spouses and children who are in our midst.

Our family members will value and appreciate the togetherness when we talk to and spend time with them.

A renowned anthropologist described man as a social being. I wonder whether such a definition holds true today.

Probably yes, but with socialising taking a different form, through technological gadgets and instruments.

It may be for the better or for worse. We are yet to know.

Dr S. NATHESAN,

Muar, Johor.