Cell phones have become such a crucial part of our daily lives that it has become akin to a vestigial organ to our body. Excess dependence on it, for any and everything, has gotten us to a stage that its deprivation will seriously hamper our aptitude to reapply and reorient ourselves.
Gadgets have redefined our routine functioning and our very lives per se that, the moment our phones run out of battery or balance, the need to recharge it takes precedence above all things, like an addict deprived of his vice. Children and grownups showing tantrums alike; engaging in conversation yet glued to phone; browsing late night and losing out on precious rest and recoup; children exhibiting inhibition to study, eat or sleep unless pampered with phone; spine or postural complaint, etc, etc…Like a parasite, cell phones thrives at our expense of quality time, health and social life.
With the reach of social media growing ever more pervasive globally, so too does its impact in contexts where systematic violent repression have occurred or there is a risk of such things taking place. Ease of access to social media has given every racist a potential public platform to incubate and incite hatred cross borders. Conflict narratives, conspiracy theories and extremist views quickly find a home on media platforms. As recourse to any likelihood of mass agitation and violence, mobile services in J &K were shut down on August 5 with the Centre formally announcing abrogation of the special status guaranteed to the State under Article 370 of the Constitution. After 69 days residents got a partial relief with post-paid service resuming on October 14. But residents of J&K have certainly experienced a massive jolt.
In Nagaland, the political dialogue for the so called ‘Solution’ too is far from over. Vibes of suspense and frenzy is still in the air. But despite an atmosphere of frenzy, I would opine that, the Centre is handling the matter maturely in giving every stakeholder their due credit and placing ample options at the negotiating table. Such a crucial situation warrants shutting of mobile services. Nevertheless, should mobile network get curbed we can be rest assured that the talks did not augur well.
Whereas we long to cherish a workable and palatable outcome however, if talks remain inconclusive, use of an iron fist without velvet gloves cannot be ignored. Under such circumstances and with our state of semi-being, can we actually imagine ourselves without cell phones?… It may get quite unsparing across all age groups, rich and poor alike. Only those conversant about the spoils of technology and have clear cut priorities will remain immune to technology abuse.
Nevertheless, let not the opportunity for some soul searching get imposed upon us. Instead, on a serious note, ponder how these sleek gadgets have impacted or enslaved us. Ours is the first generation that has access to almost anything and anyone and how informed and connected we can actually stay or be!… Instead, we have become so obsessed to cell phones and other screen-based gadgets that these technologies have become recourse beyond human affection. So, unless we find time to find ourselves, there will be less about us that is actually worth sharing with others and social lives will become increasingly shallow.
Vincent Patton
Wokha
