As a kid I used to watch Star Trek and marvel about Mr. Spock and the
technology some of which is reality now. I also devoured (Isaac) Asimov, Arthur
C Clarke and other science fiction fantasizing about the future possibilities
that will change the way we live. When the internet made its presence felt and
mobile technology started gaining traction, the realms of reality stretched
imagination. Moving from the humble personal computer to the smartphone, the
new world is impacting us in many ways directly and indirectly.
The last few years have seen a lot of technology wanting to attach to
human body; fortunately it is still outside the body and not getting inside as
yet. Fitness bands gave way to smart watches which doubled up to also show you
the time while telling you about who is calling or the latest trends on social
media of choice. Glasses anyone ? And there was a queue of people wanting to
cover their eyes ! Directions from your favorite map service on your windscreen
? Why not also notify you about what your “friends” are excited about or what
is trending ?
Is that a distraction to driving ? Let’s make cars that can drive
themselves while you immerse yourself in the pervasive world of noise from all
over. Traveling somewhere ? Write reviews and tell your friends, too bad some
burglars also took notice that you are away from home. Stay connected wherever
you are on WIFI, 3G, 4G, LTE, on your tablet, phablet, phone or at least the
watch ? Your health parameters are being monitored and stored by some app. You
can use it later to determine your health; so can someone else who you don’t
know !
Will you scan before you eat ? Supermarkets would like to help you
create your personalized basket of products which they can remind you to buy.
All the packaged food companies would also like to know the products you
consume so they know more about your eating habits. Next time you renew your
health insurance, don’t be surprised by a markup or discount; the health
insurance company also has vested interest in this data ! The situation is
becoming Orwellian with Big Brother watching every move you make using Big
Data.
The question that bothers me is why are we willingly obliging everyone ?
What makes us want to obsessively stay connected and share the important to
obscure to inane details of our lives ? Why are we allowing personal data to be
used in a way that influences our actions and our behaviors ? This was not
anyone’s favorite part in any futuristic idea or science fiction ? Digital
addiction especially for the new Digital Native generation is rewiring responses;
the thinking process is changing, our dependence on technology complete.
People have reported withdrawal symptoms when they are unconnected; the
thumb is getting used beyond its evolved state leading to new diseases.
Accidents are increasing with distracted mind unable to focus on walking or
driving. Eyesight is adversely impacted while our hearing ability is impaired
due to constant high volume sound from earphones. Over and above all of this,
the expectation to respond to any stimulus (email, message, alert) instantly is
putting psychological pressure on the connected generation.
Enterprises want productivity with the connectivity; corporate apps
hijacking the personal phone, information driven process velocity is the new
normal stretching the already challenged balance between work and life. The
lines are blurring and both have intertwined into our awake hours in a way that
does not leave any personal space or time. The resultant pressure and stress is
increasing rate of heart ailments and lifestyle diseases in 20 something youth that
were associated with 60+ in the past.
Some companies and governments have begun to take cognizance of this and
are enforcing work hours in an attempt to wean off the addiction. How can
parents do the same with the upcoming generation which is born to technology ? I
believe that they will have to lead by example for the young ones and also at work
for their teams. Wearable technology is here and urging you to participate; I
know what you did last summer is now more like I know what you just did and
what you are likely to do !
Digital free day anyone ?
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