Perils of Technology!

Hi All,

The New York Times recently reported the dangers of how technology is affecting youngsters- "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction" (full article-http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/technology/21brain.html?_r=1 ). We know that technology has its benefits but it also has it downside. When we travel on the MRT, we see numerous people on the hand phone playing games or talking to someone on their handphone. They even ignore the needs of other passengers and most of the time are too busy to move out if there are people getting in and out of the train. Like teenagers, adults are also not spared from the perils of technology with one recent article highlighting how a women has lost her husband to of all things an "iphone". The husband is on his iphone checking out his Facebook account all the time and using other social media sites because everything is in the palm of his hands. 

It is OK to use technology as it has made a lot of things convenient. We have come to a point where technology is an integral part of our lives. We can communicate via handphones with each other instantaneously or keep tab on our kids, organize ourselves with the use of the computer. But we should not let technology rule our lives to the point where we become slaves. Man/Woman in my opinion are meant to interact with each other more face to face rather than through the use of technology. But because we rely so much on technology, we have lost touch with our emotions and reality and have become more "robot-like". We have less time for our loved ones because we are on the computer, handphone or iPad. Family members meet less often than compared to before. We depend phone-calls and emails to keep in touch with one another.This shouldn't be the case.

What is more worrying is the kids whose lives are ruled by technology. They are on their handphones, laptops, iPads, etc. They are hooked to Facebook and Video Games. This is turning them into techno-freaks with serious social problems. They tend to lose focus and are distracted by vagaries of technology. They also become violent as result of these violent video games. They are also more likely to join gangs to live out their fantasies. 

The computer has been a great help in teaching students in schools. At the same time, plagiarism has become a problem with students copying wholesale from the Internet passing off what they copied as their own or getting a ghost writer to write their project work and essays.Gone are the days where one took pride in producing original work. 

Technology is creating a real social problem among teenagers. Cyber bullying through social media sites such as Facebook is now common. There have been a number if cases on teenage students committing suicide as a result.

How to Manage Children and their use of Handphones & Computers?

1) Limit the use of the computer and handphone. Have parental control over use of computers and the sites they are able to visit especially if kids are still in primary and secondary school. Teenagers are known to clock up phones bills that amount $200 over dollars or when they don't even earn a single cent. My friends have had to confiscate the child's mobiles phone and make them pay back by working part time jobs or doing household chores. 

2) Get the children to take up some sports or hobby that takes them away from the computer. They will have a more balanced life.

3) Like the teenagers, many adults can't live without their hand phone. So, adults should to be good role models themselves for their children.

4) Connect with you children more often. Family dinners at home is preferred to eating out where there is less distractions. Family members can have decent conversation. It helps to bring a family closer. If you find cooking a chore, then order in pizza or KFC ( though these are not the best options health wise if you plan to do family dinners frequently).

5) As a last resort, bring them to a Social Counselor. They are experts and they may be able to advice parents on how to deal with the children. And parents should not live in denial. It is better to treat the symptoms so that the child can live a normal life than worry about social stigma of see a counselor. Your kids' life is more important, so pay more attention to them before its too late.

6) I am a big believer in teaching kids about doing charity work from a young age. Maybe, these tech savvy children can teach elders and less fortunate children on how to use computers.This way, these kids can learn more about the importance of thinking about others more than themselves for a change.

7) Teach children the importance of integrity and honesty. It is not only the job of teachers. Parents have to play their part.

I am not saying technology is bad. Use technology well to improve your lives and work and your kids lives but be careful not to become its slave. 

The holiday season is here. So, should you buy the latest gadget for your children as gifts? That's the million dollar question which only you can answer.

Regards,

Mark