Virtualization

What is the difference between a Human and a Robot?

Humans have the capability to judge if another person is happy or sad. Yet, even after knowing the difference, aren’t we all slowly transforming into a Human-Robot? Of course we are. Knowing that, my next question is why? Is it the technology? Oh yes! Indeed.

In today’s world no one can survive without Facebook likes! I remember my friend asking me “how many likes have you got on your recent post? Isn’t it getting lesser?” We all care so much about the likes because most of us like attention, even though we only get recognized for a limited amount of time. It feels wonderful to get recognition but on the contrary it’s like a two headed snake, while you are enjoying reading about others, you will slowly start hating yourself.

When I was young, my friends and I prepared greeting cards and we used to meet up somewhere nice and exchange the presents. Now, no one sends cards anymore. Only after changing the group icon or group name in Whatsapp, people find out that it’s your birthday! I can argue that when there is technology (Facebook) which reminds me to wish others, why the hell I should remember the actual dates? But when I sit back and think about the effect, I realized that we are losing our connections with the close ones indirectly. Remembering birthdays doesn’t mean that you have a good memory but it entails that you care about the people you love.

Similarly, online shopping is the new big thing these days! We can order anything and everything where ever we want to. Major shopping websites announces a huge discount sale or a rush hour and we end up buying many items as everything is skimmed down to half price.  But when we stop to think about our actions, we realize that we end up buying things which is not at all necessary. We are nothing but online shopping victims. Speaking on this, Sir M Visvesvaraya’s words come rushing to my mind “if you buy what you do not need, you will need what you can’t buy”.

Many reports say that after advancement in technology, the physical development of a child is running behind their mental development. Kids now-a-days love to play computer games rather than go out and play cricket or kabaddi with friends. Computer games indeed help in improving the reflex of mind but what about the physical fitness? Physical and mental development complements each other; hence we should cultivate the habit of enjoying the best of both worlds.

Most of today’s teenagers are more confident expressing themselves over text or social media than a traditional face to face conversation. The confidence level in the younger generation is deteriorating. A great hug and a warm smile is getting replaced my emoticons (smiley’s).  Technology is good only if we set the limits.

We have heard our parents and teachers tell us about socializing in order to cultivate strong and rewarding relationships with other people. Unfortunately, we are Virtualizing rather than Socializing!