KARACHI:
The increased use of technology in our daily lives has reduced the importance of human interaction and will seemingly result in complete isolation from one another. Although people are more connected with each other through phones and social media, they seldom want to engage in real-life activities.
With an influx of e-commerce companies, shopping malls, and retail stores have taken a hit as people prefer shopping online because of the convenience. Similarly, cinemas, restaurants, and many other services are becoming redundant as people can avail most facilities at their homes. The increased presence of technology has become an addiction. People are confined within their homes and have broken off from the outside world, which is negatively affecting their productivity at work or studies. Before the advent of technology, we drew conclusions based on our judgments, now we speak the language of search engines. Technology is curbing imagination and creativity. People have lost interest in sports, reading, and other activities. Even when they engage in other activities, it is to post about it on social media. Increased competition and comparison on social media have resulted in people experiencing anxiety and depression because of poor interactions. Besides mental health, people face severe eyestrain, neck and back pains because of bad posture, and sleep problems. Reduced physical activity also increases the likelihood of obesity, cardiovascular disease, premature death, etc.
Although people have become increasingly tech-savvy, the overuse of digital media is harming their overall well-being. Most people have lost a sense of individuality and are more present online. However, we can still mend our ways by limiting the use of social media and phones and engaging in different activities. Also, everyone must evaluate how they feel with and without the use of social media to reduce their reliance on digital technology.
Mehwish Salman
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2022.
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