A decade ago, the Internet was growing rapidly across urban India and broadband connections were slowly edging out screechy modems. Orkut and my space had created a new social networking space and emails had replaced snail mail in many offices and homes across the country. However, the Internet for most of us remained something we used for official purposes or the occasional chat with friends and families across the planet. The proliferation of smart phones, WiFi networks, tablets and I pads and numerous apps has meant that we are connected to the world wide web, right through the day. Has being online throughout the day changed our interpersonal relationships? Has it lead to more people suffering from a host of lifestyle diseases?
IT professional Siddharth Patel says, “I think whatsapp and other messaging apps have ruined personal relationships. You can just text people once in a while and pretend to be in touch with everyone. Even when friends or family meet, everyone is on their phones and tablets, talking about their cool offline life to those online.”
He says, “Once I reach home, I take a walk, read a book and try to spend quality time with my family. We have enforced an hour without the net at home. It helps us in leading a relaxed life without being very bothered about our social networks and whatsapp groups. The Internet is a great tool, but staying connecting round the clock is not my cup of tea.”
Architect and budding entrepreneur Vijit Sharma agrees, “I have started a small firm recently. I do network all through the day, but switch off my phone and WiFi routers at night. I was addicted to social media sites such as twitter and instagram, but now feel much more comfortable using them only at specific hours. It has helped me become more healthy and focused at home and work.”
Finding the right balance is key, rather than cutting down on the time you spend online, feels digital marketing professional Ravindar Nautiyal. He points out, “As long as you are not an addict and spend all day on social networks, it is quite normal to stay connected. Considering that everything from bank transactions to bill payments to buying groceries can be done online, I do not see any reason why you should not be connected.”
Software engineer Adit Agarwal concurs with this point of view. “10 years ago, I would have spent a lot of money on phone bills, just trying to connect with family and friends. I can do the same at zero cost by just swiping a screen. I do not see any reason why staying connected is a bad thing. I feel that my connections with my friends and family have become closer, because of apps like whatsapp that have meant that you can have a family get-together on a daily basis, even if you are not physically present at one location.”
ENT specialist Prabhat Jain is very wary about staying online throughout the day. “Staring at a screen all day is bad for your eyes and postures. I have had instances of youngsters coming to me with eye and back related ailments like spondylitis. With parents being glued to their devices, I have seen young infants who refuse to eat food, unless they are able to watch their favourite videos. Staying connected is not a bad thing, getting addicted to it is a issue that needs to be resolved.”
