From School Timings to Smartphone Addiction: The Impact of Technology

Since the governor of Maharashtra suggested the schools' authority to delay the morning school time, so children can have sufficient sleep, it gave rise to a debate. Of course, the context of the suggestion needs to be studied carefully. On Thursday, the Times of India expressed its views on this point. Though it acknowledges the problem of the necessity of sufficient sleep ( rest ), it doesn't agree with the solutions.

Probably many would believe that children should be disciplined to use smartphones judiciously. Of course, many aspects of school administration are not mentioned by the Times Of India editorial, especially if a school runs in two shifts. The science behind it, parents' addiction to some extent, impact on traffic, etc are considered.

Corona phase in a way compelled us to use online instructions and guidance for the educational institutions. It saved us all from the stupendous damage to the system of education. The technology is to be used with extreme care. Parents used to try their best to postpone the entry of smartphone technology into the lives of children before the coronavirus phase. Now the scenario has changed completely, they had to use it for a long time. Children had good knowledge of smartphones, and during the coronavirus period, they could explore the technology fully.

It may not be immediately labeled as addiction, but it comparatively occupies a large space. Practically we depend on phones for everything. Things are made easier, faster, and accurate. We have stopped using our brains in many areas, phone numbers, birthdays, and anniversaries are the responsibility of our phones. In a way, human relations too have the interference of the obedient smartphone. Often instead of calling the concerned person the wishes are shared online, and answered with smilies online. Human touch is gradually fading away, warmth is lost. Many ridiculous funny or even unimaginable (till a few years ago ) situations can be observed on this issue.

Calculations, even drafting, report making, etc are not perceived as skills, our phones are more than sufficient for such tasks. Many more points can be elaborated no doubt.

But we need to start analyzing the phenomena, this phone addiction cannot be just accepted helplessly. It cannot be allowed to ruin our social life so easily. We as a society need to work in this area.

Children along with their parents indeed tend to spend more time on the phone for various reasons but it cannot be accepted as a practice. Its use in education cannot be denied, but real-time interaction never be denied is due. Many studies and surveys help us analyze the phenomenon carefully. We definitely would have to use the technology wherever essential, but it can never be a substitute for the actual dialogue. There is no end to binge-watching or netsurfing, our families need to discipline themselves. The distinction between work and leisure is to be understood. What we don't want our children to follow, the elders too need to stop doing it. One has to lead by acting on the maxims laid for the health of the family and society.

The other day a mother of the newborn was observed watching something on the phone, ignoring the cry of the newborn. We ought to learn to differentiate between the surreal and the real world and give due importance to them. Society cannot surrender to something because people across the society follow the practice.

An interesting point is made by Dattopant Thengadi in a paper that was circulated among intellectuals in 1992. He referred to the book 'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler. The author stated that there should be social control of technology, impact on social structure should be considered. How would the value system be influenced? Would mankind be able to adjust with the pace is scientific advancement? Dattopant referred to an eminent thinker who raised the question of whether unguided, unrestricted, and rampant change is advisable. Would such change be the enemy of mankind?

Ralph Lap ( a scientist from the United States ) described such a process of scientific advancement as ' boarding a train that is gathering speed, racing down the track which has an unknown number of switches, and the train is leading to an unknown destination.'

He quoted many scientists who expressed their concern.

The chairman of the Department of Biophysics at Michigan State University, Dr Lero Augustine described the March as 'fast and furious '.

Dattopant stated that the new technology is a tool, not a handyman.

He noted the case of developing countries is different. High-tech industries create their zone, which depends on imported inputs.,they do not promote local subsidiaries. ( Now the situation is changing ) The industries ultimately safeguard their interest and their economy. There are other important aspects too, all cannot be discussed here.
The book noted that scientists and technologists are ethnocentric. Mostly they are short-ranged. People are not consulted about the type of future they want for themselves, the author described the process as undemocratic. Effects of technology over distances of time and space need to be thought of.

He suggested some kind of Apex body to discuss all the facets of such problems. We ought to understand the role of technology in our lives before it is too late