Technology Upgrades: Empowers and enhances life, effortlessly; balancing the equation!! : 2 min read

       

            The efficiency of living sans new technology can be very compromising! The debate is longstanding and daunting, both for and against.  

            Back in our days, a trunk call was a family gathering. Commuting alone meant leaving parents in trepidation. As for individual’s with special needs, there had to be an escort. 

            Today, in seconds we are traversing continents with our gadgets and the internet. Anything we want from information to entertainment is available at our fingertips. Travel is easier and accessible, movements possible to track reducing assisted travel for special people and almost cease worry for parents.

             Personally, travelling by public transport makes way for multiple experiences. One gets to see the populace from every strata and arena of society, rushing to make ends meet equipped with limited resources and even more limited time.

             Yet, for some of us like myself, who joined the bandwagon of "smart devices" later on, a slight shift from “normal” renders hushed judgment at times (my bad!).

            Last week, I stood next to a young boy on a video call with no earphones; I assumed the conversation was probably inaudible because of the train wheels crashing down the rails. I silently judged, "What if there wasn't any noise, the entire compartment would hear them; ridiculous youngsters!"

  

    As he impatiently gesticulated while he got off and I looked on, my haze lifted, allowing me to read his gestures. The day end fog rose and I became conscious of his speech and hearing impairment; perhaps talking to someone with either the same challenge or who had learnt the language to communicate.

             It was an incredible moment. Of course, initially I was embarrassed at judging the younger generation and their senseless use of gadgets. But then, I smiled at the thought he left with me and the unfettering resolve I witnessed. It spoke of empowerment.

             A few years ago, the world was mute for him. Today, with various inventions and advancements, the barriers of despair are breaking down. The need to be dependent, for the challenged, the differently enabled, and the marginalized; are reducing and will soon disappear.

            Amazing what opportunity the future holds. New technology unifies a larger group instantly; when geography, language, cultures, education, distances are no longer a barrier for citizens from all walks of life towards quality living.

Photo Credit: Sourced from Google Images

Originally  Published on May 7, 2019, for LinkedIn