JUDAS

 

In search of silence in a digital era

                                                                                (Jairish Douglas)

Digital dependency – an introduction

 

In a digital era overflowing with smartphones and laptops, knowingly or unknowingly we’ve all ended up tangled in the world’s biggest net- THE INTERNET. Just like food, shelter, and clothing, gadgets have become an integral part of our lives. They are no longer luxury items, but essential necessities in today’s world.

 

We don’t need a camera—our mobile phones can click photos. Who needs a TV? Our phones can play videos. A watch? Our phones show the time. Need directions? GPS on our phones has us covered. Banking? We can do it all without stepping into a bank. Sending letters or emails? Our phones handle that too. Even courier services feel redundant—WhatsApp lets us share data instantly. Calculator, Calendar, reminder etc. Truly, our mobile phones have become everything we ever needed… and more. Our mobile phone isn’t just a phone—it’s an all-in-one gadget for almost everything.

 

The best part of mobile phones is that we always have a camera handy to capture any moment. The downside? Professional photographers are quietly losing business—at weddings, it’s not uncommon to see cameramen holding up their mobile phones instead of traditional cameras. GPS lets us explore new places, though sometimes it leads us into rivers or across broken bridges. Financial transactions happen with just a tap, yet we rarely appreciate the value of physical money when spending digitally. And in emergencies, we can retrieve important documents from our phones anytime, anywhere.

 

Whether it’s shopping, dining, booking hotels, commuting, or attending online meetings, technology is quietly turning us into masters of doing nothing. All it takes is a username and password to get everything done instantly.  Some people have turned into digital zombies: juggling two laptops, two phones, power banks, chargers, and somehow staying perpetually ‘online’. Many believe they are using technology, but in reality, technology is in control over them. There are instances of children committing suicide when they are denied access to mobile phones.

 Screen Slavery

 Growing up, we were frequently scolded for sitting too long in front of the television, the infamous ‘idiot box’ blamed for ruining our studies. Yet today’s children are even more captivated—this time by mobile phones, their so-called ‘smartphones’. Labelling it a ‘smartphone’? That’s just clever marketing by phone manufacturers. Whether it’s feeding a baby or chatting with elderly parents across the globe, the smartphone is now the indispensable middleman.

 

Watching reels or shorts has become a universal pastime, whether at home or at the office. Pick up your smartphone after breakfast, and one video ends only for the next to start automatically—usually something you didn’t plan to watch. Add a few tempting images, and suddenly you’re trapped in an endless loop of videos. In the blink of an eye, its lunchtime, and your morning has disappeared as if by magic.

 

Whether it’s finding answers, taking online exams, or doing basic math, our digital dependency has put our brains on autopilot. Instead of educating Gen Z about the perils of gadget obsession, many Boomer uncles are busy trying to outshine them in a battle of who’s the real “tech whiz”. It is said that artificial intelligence is contributing to cognitive impairment among the next generation. Information overload from Google searches and ChatGPT is leaving them confused about what’s important to remember and what can be ignored.

 Cost of Constant Connectivity

 Checking WhatsApp every five minutes has quietly turned into a habit we can’t seem to break. Everyone wants to stay updated with the latest information and defend their views and react even if the information is fake, often without realizing it. In today’s digital world, fake news disrupts society, disturbing images traumatize our minds, and social media fuels virtual violence. Depression, anxiety and stress are silent killers due to screen slavery.

 

The constant ringing of phones, endless calls, staying glued to the internet, reading SMS, checking WhatsApp every five minutes, scrolling Facebook for 15, Instagram for another 15, YouTube for 30, and binge-watching reels—it’s a digital whirlpool of wasted time. All this mess leaves our minds restless and stressed. Some people can talk for hours on their phones without even noticing that their poor neighbour is bleeding through the ears.

 

Office meetings now happen over Zoom or Google Meet, bosses can call at any time, official announcements reach us by WhatsApp, and data sharing is often done through the same app. We’ve reached a point where leaving our mobile phones behind feels impossible—we simply cannot live without them.

 

It’s a common sight: friends meeting for dinner, yet staring at their phones instead of each other’s faces. Even within families, everyone is glued to their gadgets, barely noticing who else is present. These days, most family conversations happen in WhatsApp groups rather than across the dinner table.

 

          Unplugging - taking a digital break

Offline is the New Luxury; New Normal. Turning off our phones to spend time with family and friends or just enjoy some peace feels like an impossible mission. People try to find peace of mind in silence… and yet somehow, they can’t resist asking ChatGPT or Google for help instead of seeking professional help. From webinars on digital detox to pricey stays at hotels and resorts, people are going to great lengths—and spending big money—just to get a break from their gadgets.

Excessive screen time can lead to sleep deprivation. Taking a break from gadgets is crucial to reduce stress and anxiety and restore mental balance. The following tips may help you unplug from digital dependency:

 

1.    Turn off internet connectivity when it’s not needed.

2.    Use the minimum number of gadgets necessary.

3.    Use your phone primarily for official work and meaningful learning.

4.    Prefer physical currency whenever possible.

5.    Make use of offline banking services from time to time.

6.    Switch off your mobile for a day and spend quality time with family.

7.    Practice gadget-free Sundays when the whole family is at home.

8.    Dine out at restaurants instead of relying on online food delivery.

9.    Forward only useful information; avoid sharing unverified news or disturbing content.

10. Enjoy shopping at malls or markets rather than ordering everything online.

11. Be honest and responsible while attending online exams.

12. Prefer face-to-face meetings, which are often more interactive than virtual ones.

13. Keep your mobile phone away from your bed before sleeping.

14. Check WhatsApp only once every 30 minutes or even once an hour.

15. Keep your phone on silent mode while dining.

16. Limit social media screen time and maintain conscious control over it.

17. Reduce the amount of time spent on watching reels or short videos.

 Conclusion

 

We must learn to exercise control over our use of technology and guide younger generations to do the same. Responsible digital habits—and the willingness to disconnect when necessary—are essential in today’s world. When gadgets replace silence, physical presence, and genuine human connection, society pays a heavy price. As the saying goes, one machine may do the work of a hundred ordinary men, but no machine can replace the work of an extraordinary one.

 

Finding the right balance between online engagement and offline living is crucial for our well-being, self-discipline, and meaningful relationships. At the same time, technology companies and app designers must take responsibility by developing features and systems that minimise screen addiction and promote healthy usage. After all, progress should empower humanity—not overpower it.