Is your technology addiction too 'advanced'?

Have you ever thought that how many times in a day you swipe your smartphone screen or browse the Internet or switch TV channels? Most of us don't even realise when we get trapped in the game of technology addiction and become victim of it.
Rashmi Seth, a Sharjah resident, was alarmed some 5-6 years back that technology might interrupt with her children's growth and development and she immediately stopped the Internet usage at home. She wanted her kids to focus more on studies, physical activities and social skills rather than gluing to mobile phones or other devices.
She said: "I am a working woman and can't supervise my children all day. I have a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. I am not against them using the Internet completely, but it has to be in moderation like after returning from work, I share my mobile hotspot with them. In fact, it was my husband's idea to give them limited exposure to all these things so that they don't get addicted to it."
When asked if she doesn't feel disconnected with her friends, Rashmi's daughter Niyonika replied: "Not at all. In fact, I feel it's a sheer waste of time. For example, my friends chat for hours to make a movie plan whereas I think it's better to pick up a phone and decide quickly. As far as knowledge and update about technology is concerned, I am not behind them."
There is a well-known saying it's better to be safe than sorry. On one side, where technology can give solutions for all possible problems, on the other side technology itself can become a problem if it is not used properly and in the right manner.
Dr Mohammad Anwar, senior consultant paediatrician at UHS, Sharjah, believes easy availability of technology in the UAE and parents not having enough time for their children leads to unwanted exposure to online gaming, chatting and social networking. Children become addicts and their performance in school suffers, and sometimes it can also make them feel depressed. He said: "Almost every teenager today has three different screens including tablets and thanks to 3G and 4G they are connected all the time. With abundant availability of high-end gadgets and latest tech devices, it becomes difficult for large number of teens to switch off and return to the real life."
Technology's side effects
Technology has enhanced communication by making it faster and better. It also allows students to learn online and through visual lessons. Online banking and online shopping have added comfort and easiness in our lives. But, it has equal side effects as well like there is a lack of human interaction these days. Tools such as calculators have made us lazy and our skills are declining. We have become less creative and more addictive to stay online, updating pictures and messages on the social media.
Osman Sultan, CEO, du, reacted on technology addiction rise: "We know that this has been always the case, just let me say if we see how young and less young people today all over the world reacting on something like Pokemon Go, we can see that we haven't yet scratched in our imagination the ways people will be addicted to technology. But, I still believe that human and people are at the heart. Technology is just an amazing enabler. Every time technology will be abused but it will find own way to create anti dots in various, this is the beauty of it."
ankita@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE