Power Off, Life On

Mobile phones have now become the portable multiverse in our hands, transporting us to every corner of the world, connecting us to multiple dimensions. As much as it has made us close to people, place and improvised virtual relations, it has distant us from the real life. The 15×16-inch screen has become a portal through which we vicariously live the journeys, receive advice, learn, and witness trends and talents of others, inadvertently detaching ourselves from our own lives.

The impact of COVID-19 has been a catalyst for change, prompting a collective realization during lockdown to slow down and appreciate the present. But little did we know, it made us too comfortable to isolation that even post lockdown people have become self contained units or a combined entities with their phones. Consequently, the consumption of screen time has soared to unprecedented levels.

Parks are filled with people who have earphones plugged into their ears strolling through their own lives, youth focused on pictures or updating social media, the little normalcy seen, in the older age groups who still come together talk, and indulge in group activities. Yet, a lingering question remains: how sustainable is this semblance of normalcy? These technologies were made to simplify life or bring people closer, but seems like it, that humans themselves are turning into technology and all we meet are AI Bots.

Let’s take a break and be present, be patient and breathe. Moderation is needed to reclaim humanity. Digital detox to periodically detach from screens to recalibrate and reconnect with the immediate surroundings. Be conscious of the content consumed on digital platforms, opt for meaningful, educational, or inspirational content that enhances personal growth, rather than mindless scrolling or comparison. Set specific time blocks for screen usage, allowing for intentional and focused interactions. Inculcative reading, relish art, create a schedule that accommodates both digital engagements and moments of genuine connection with the physical world.

Finding a balance between connectivity and reality is crucial in a society where the digital multiverse’s appeal rules. Through the application of these tactics, people can effectively navigate the evolving terrain in a moderate manner, guaranteeing that technology continues to be an adjunct to life rather than its replacement. In the digital age, embracing our humanity means making deliberate decisions, making relationships with purpose, and remaining steadfastly devoted to the richness of the present.