With everyone racing against time to achieve their goals in life, technology has proved to be a boon for mankind. Everything from food to communication is instant today. But is overindulgence in these modern-day tools making us more impatient?
Obsession to speed up work has reached disproportionate levels
From communication to food, the culture of instant gratification pervades our lives today. Despite the convenience these tools bring in our lives, there are certain negative aspects of using these instant methods. People are only aware of the good effects of using these latest tools, but they are totally oblivious to the hazards of choosing such a fast lifestyle.
Youngsters today engage in multitasking very easily with the help of various applications available in mobile phones. However, this constant effort to squeeze in multiple activities in less time, is surely leading today’s generation to a stressful situation.
It has been observed that they are not able to focus in the absence of these tools. The situation is worsening every day, especially with the younger generation. Youngsters want to make a quick buck while putting in least amount of effort, which is a serious attitudinal problem.
Stress levels have risen tremendously due to work pressure, changing lifestyle and meeting deadlines. Instead of being an asset, these tools are becoming sources of high stress levels. The obsession with these gadgets and facilitators to speed up the work has reached disproportionate levels today.
The fact is that we cannot escape these technological developments and lifestyle changes brought about by the economic progress. However, one can strike a balance by becoming more aware about how to use these tools optimally for the right purpose.
Dr Nitin Dalaya, psychiatrist and director, Nityanand Institute of Medical Sciences
Constant usage of devices makes one reactive
I am punctual. I reach my office at sharp 8:20 am and work till 5:30 pm. However, at work there are moments when something important comes up suddenly and we have to deal with the assignment at a very short notice.
The fast lifestyle and the pressure to deliver on time do stress me out and make me impatient sometimes. But I always try to strike a balance between my work and leisure time.
Using these communication gadgets make you reactive. But whenever this happens with me, I take a moment and drink a glass of water to calm myself. The amount of communication that we handle today has increased four-fold as compared to a decade ago.
One should be very selective while dealing with around 80-100 emails in the inbox everyday. Though these gadgets help us do more work in less time, it comes with lesser amount of time spent with one’s family. This is a fact in every working person’s life. Technology has increased efficiency, pressure and per person productivity, but it has come with a cost of having less time with family and friends.
Harsh Koshti, business development manager
My grandchildren get irritated when the TV or computer stops working
When I see the younger generation fiddling with cellphones and computers, I always wonder, how they do it. Even my grandchildren, who are aged between 3 and 5 years, have picked up the trick of using cellphones and audio video systems at home.
These children easily operate the latest gadgets, which is not possible for us to do, even now. I think it is all because of the influence of the surrounding environment that we grow in. It is disturbing to see how my grandchildren get hyper and irritated when the TV or the computer is not working.
The only question that troubles them is what to do, I am bored? This was not the case when my children were growing up. We had other problems when we were young, but kids nowadays deal with lifestyle related problems. The point is that we
are overindulging in these new technologies to make our lives easy.
It is better to understand and address these problems than brood over it and do nothing. Hope is what keeps us going,
so let’s hope that we will find a solution to these modern day
issues also.
There is nothing wrong in using technology, but the output depends on how we use it.
Nirmala Salunkhe, senior citizen
Latest tools are making me lazy
This instant culture is a matter of concern. I have two Ms in my life that are driving me crazy or let’s just say I am putting up with them. I am talking about Maggi and mobile. These two things surely give me quick results but in hindsight they are making me lazy and providing me with zero nutrition. You can love it or hate it, but you can never ignore it.
These instant tools are making me impatient, but being
impatient is not always bad. It also has a good side as most of the times it brings out the best in you. However, getting impatient because of our lifestyle is a cause of concern. If we don’t address the problem now, then APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of building a strong India by 2020 will remain unrealised. Though it’s easier said than done, the only solution to this problem is planning and execution. One has to know what’s good for him/her.
Nidhish Khare, IT professional
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