Technology/digital / social media I always believed will help in bringing people together . I felt it’s about being social and not anti social . It’s about virtually meeting people across the globe and learning more . However yesterday I had this realisation that I was wrong!
Pic courtesy : Google
Technology is taking away from us the ability to be “human” . It s making us anti social . We are forgetting that taking action doesn’t mean a post or like or retweets. I have been unwell and been home yesterday and this thought dawned upon me (idle mind :)). When I go on whatsapp first thing unconsciously I see is what time was the other person online last , but why did I have to know that or even look at that? Is it my intent to know more or is it that we are insecure or is it plain curiosity? I don’t understand why we are blinded by these apps and platforms . Isn’t addiction the right word? So many thoughts occurred to me like,
Why we sit across a table with friends and stare at our phones . Why we can’t live without touching our phones for even an hour. What if we spent the phone time on people who is a part of our life . What if we hugged them more than fidgeting on the phone .
What if we said I love you in person than updating a status and professing love .
What if we expressed our gratitude in person , folding hands . How about stop envying the “social happy posts” we see and get real?
So i decided to take action and make this a resolution for this year , I will call people and wish them on their birthdays or special days , I already started this from November last year partially . I mean why not? I am human and I can speak and may be bray(read sing) once in a while .
I have decided to stay off phone completely even when am at traffic signals , I give 50% of my time to day dream and 50% to phone when am stalled at a signal , now 100% off phone 😉
I plan to keep my phone in my bag while am at lunch or dinner with family or friends as the world can wait while I eat my meal .
I have decided not to humiliate the person sitting across the table with me having a conversation by staring at the gadget which can’t emote .
I have decided not to take my phone out of my bag while I am In a meeting room .
I have decided to give my 100% to whatever I do . My time is precious so is the person’s who decided to spend it with me , time to get human and respect each other .. oh! Don’t you worry there are a zillion people on social media and they can survive with us .
PS: If there is an emergency needless to say we have to use our phones and that wont change , if I am found violating my above resolution I request you to bring it to my notice .
Bindu Gopinath 
What u said is very true….. After reading this even I do the same what u said…. Thanks
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You are very enlightened to recognize the ills of portable technology. These are incredible computers at our fingertips, but they do make us rude and even antisocial. On the one hand, I’m talking to your across the world for the first time, but if we were having dinner together our phones would get in the way: disrupt the flow of conversation, and prevent us from human connection. I remember a time of “no smart phones” … I think I miss that time! Great post Bindu!
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Thanks, Diana. My phone isn’t with me when I have the meal, I very consciously keep it away.It has become a practice, should I say good practice? Anything in limit is good is something we forget, it is a constant struggle to keep reminding self. Cheers to you. Stay happy!
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Lovely to hear from you! A very healthy attitude concerning electronics Bindu – your friends must appreciate when you are with them. Able to focus with no distraction.
Have a wonderful day!
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