Stay Alive Without Talking

Albert Einstein – voted as the man of the century (last century) was remembered for many of his scientific theories, most known for his theory of relativity. In recent past his name is associated with his phrase “I fear the day technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” – Yes, that genius indeed foresaw the future.

Evolution of Communication:
the history of communication can track back even to the date when humans evolved. Pigeons, Manuscripts, reflecting mirrors, printing press etc. i.e. those existed before the digital revolution did not stop humans from interacting. However, the above statement from Einstein has become true in recent past.  

Stay Alive without Talking:
Smart phones are devices that are changing the lifestyle of current generation and will define a new lifestyle for the next generation. Smart phone apps are helping us to find the shortest route in any city (no need to talk to auto drivers), remember birthdays (no need to wish in person – just write on the wall or whatsapp , on line transactions (no need to go to EB office, banks, book tickets or any other office where we need to pay bills / taxes or talk to officials there), online shopping (the next generation may not know what is bargaining!- which we are slowly forgetting J). We can keep adding many line items to this list – the apps are unending. With all these features one can stay alive even for a month without talking to anyone. This is annoying isn't?  

Change is inevitable:
A kid in 2020s may question why should someone write “r u der?” or “jst lyk dat?” instead of writing the full spelling. The SMSs of those days were long dead, now the feature of prediction and swipe made typing easier, the speech software are typing what we speak on our behalf these days. I May say “Happy birthday Mani” in front of the phone (!!??!!), and send the voice message to Mani who is staying just few KMs from my home. I will equally feel guilty of not wishing him in person and having some fun outing as I did in late 2000s, as I compose myself that I need to keep going and using technology is not killing my relationship.

There were days when inviting relatives to marriage through phone was considered taboo, now it is a common practice  We accepted those deviations and kept changing our life and practices. Does the same apply now, so wishing birthday in phone or some app doesn't harm the relationship? Doesn't “missing” have some to play if we don’t show up in person? Are there few left in our life to show up in person, go out and take a break from the unrelenting work schedule? Yes, there are. So, let’s keep meeting those who are important to be met in person and use technology for all others.

Smart phones are expenses that give all comfort but no “experience”. Finding the road route From Chennai to Tarangambadi is a smart phone feature. Travelling that route with my friends is an experience of lifetime. Let’s have some experiences from life.