AS MUCH as we love the many conveniences that our phones and gadgets give us—from online banking, e-shopping, booking flights, connecting with people, etc., we should all remember that these are machines. Nothing can overshadow real human physical connection.
There are times when handing the iPad to our kids give us some measure of quiet so we can get things done, but let us not forget to set appropriate boundaries for time spent on them. Let’s be honest, we’re facing major problems with device addiction worldwide. At times, I, too, become guilty of over-using my phone.
The struggle for maintaining balance and controlling consumption is a priority. After all, we don’t want our children to grow up with memories of competing with our gadgets and craving the company of perpetually distracted parents. The real world will always trump the online world. The people in front of us should be prioritized and given attention over the people on the screen.
I got this nice forwarded message from my husband. The simple story puts a lot of things in perspective. Read the short anecdote below (anonymous author):
I had spent an hour in the bank with my dad, as he had to transfer some money. I couldn't resist myself and asked: “Dad, why don't we activate your internet banking?”
“Why would I do that?” he asked.
“Well, then you won’t have to spend an hour here for things like transfer. You can even do your shopping online. Everything will be so easy!” I was so excited about initiating him into the world of Net banking.
He asked, “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?”
“Yes, yes!” I said. I told him how even grocery can be delivered at the door now and how Amazon delivers everything!
His answer left me tongue-tied. He replied: “Since I entered this bank today, I have met four of my friends, I have chatted a while with the staff who knows me very well by now. You know I’m alone...this is the company that I need. I like to get ready and come to the bank. I have enough time; it is the physical touch that I crave.”
Dad continued, “Two years back I got sick. The store owner, from whom I buy fruits, came to see me and sat by my bedside and cried. When your mom fell down a few days ago while on her morning walk, our local grocer saw her and immediately got his car to rush her home. Would I have that ‘human’ touch if everything became online?”
What my father said caused me to pause and reflect. Then he told me this most important message, “Why would I want everything delivered to me and force me to interact with just my computer? I like to know the person that I'm dealing with and not just the ‘seller’. It creates bonds. Relationships. Does Amazon deliver all these as well?”
Indeed, do your computers take care of human bonds and relations? Nothing can ever compensate for human relationships and human interactions. We all acknowledge and appreciate the value that technology has in making our lives much easier but we should not be enslaved by it. Always remember to spend time with people and not with devices.