As modern gadgets and devices go on to exemplify the giant strides technology has made, one is left wondering at the way they have transitioned from being ‘luxuries’ once to ‘necessities’ now. Driven by the rapid and integrated evolution of technology, which has fundamentally restructured work, communication and daily living, devices that were once exclusive or novel have become indispensable tools for productivity, safety and managing everyday tasks.
Nothing has, however, come anywhere near to beating the mobile phone revolution, which is widely considered one of the most significant technological shifts in human history, often surpassing others in adoption speed and daily impact. And then the advent of social media!
In an age where social media has conquered all frontiers of human existence, the digital world has shifted from a novelty to an inseparable environment, fundamentally altering human consciousness, relationships and behaviours.
Critics, however, argue that the omnipresence of mobile technology has created a nuisance by enabling a culture of distraction, eroding social bonds and negatively impacting mental and physical health.
There has never been any doubt over the fact that the increasing use of mobile phones by children is a growing global concern. Research increasingly supports the position that smart phones and unrestricted mobile phone access are not suitable for children during their formative years.
Australia has pioneered a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, effective December last year, targeting platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, snapchat and YouTube to combat online harms and youth mental health issues. However, the news that some young users found ways to circumvent the restrictions makes one believe that technological bans alone are insufficient and that digital literacy, along with open dialogue between parents and children, is more effective than relying solely on enforced restrictions.
It nevertheless comes as a surprise that modern parents are conspicuous by their reluctance to avoid using technology as a substitute for emotional support or engagement. During many social visits, I have observed parents ‘appeasing’ crying toddlers by handing over their mobiles to them. While it does serve to instantly quieten the child, this practice risks significant addiction, behavioural issues, developmental delays and reduced attention spans.
Proudly parading their child’s adroitness with smart phones before others, though, is a common, yet concerning, fad with many parents these days, often masking dangers detrimental to the child’s progress. Mobile phone usage has introduced several strange, often socially normalised, habits that reflect a deep, almost compulsive, connection to these devices.
For that matter, mobile phones have evolved from mere communication tools into extensions of the human body, mind and personality, acting as a ‘new limb’ for the modern generation. Nevertheless, when one comes across instances where man’s love for mobile phones far outweighs crucial life considerations, one cannot but feel a sense of dread regarding the rising anxiety, social isolation and digital duress that results when screen time takes over daily life.
Visualise a bustling city intersection during peak hours – a chaotic symphony of honking horns, idling engines and hurried commuters. At the centre of this urban frenzy stands a traffic policeman, acting as the conductor of this organised chaos. What a joy it would be to see the traffic flowing in a rhythmic pattern, directed by firm authority, bringing about a disciplined order amidst the urban chaos. These are, however, scenes that come directly out of a utopian drama!
In reality, what one usually sees is a traffic cop with a mobile phone permanently stuck to his ear overseeing the traffic, more intent on completing his conversation rather than directing rush-hour traffic.
With traffic policemen deployed at almost all busy intersections exhibiting the palpable fondness for conversing on their phones while on duty, it is as if the role of traffic monitoring has become subordinate to their personal agenda!
The revolting sights of onlookers clicking videos or photos of an accident scene instead of assisting victims, signifies a mix of pathological voyeurism, social media obsession and moral apathy.
Such actions often prioritise the desire for ‘likes’, ‘views’ or ‘going viral’ over basic human empathy and the immediate need for emergency assistance. This behaviour is a mix of de-sensitisation to suffering and a desperate need for social media content, which ultimately reflects a decline in compassionate human behaviour.
The camaraderie between family members at the dining table is a powerful bonding experience that transforms the simple act of eating into a cornerstone of emotional health and relationship building. It serves as a dedicated, daily ritual for connection in a fast-paced world where stories are shared, memories are created and bonds are strengthened.
Nowadays, however, preoccupied with their mobile sets, the lack of conversation between family members during these shared meals has turned what was once a key social interaction into a quiet, disconnected experience.
It is a matter of observation that the rapid, near-constant engagement with smart phones among people has led to numerous behavioural trends, some of which border on the weird. These habits have become so embedded that they drown out the true rhythm of life, with some users prioritising their phone over basic personal necessities.
(Pachu Menon is a senior
columnist and author based in Goa.)
