IN the fast-paced and ever-advancing era of technology, the human race seems to be missing out on a few critical things owing to increasing dependence on technological interventions.

From social media interactions to online shopping, and from remote work to telehealth, the use of technology is rather ubiquitous. This scenario is clearly leading us towards a more sedentary lifestyle.

Historically, humans became civilised by adopting a lifestyle full of physical activity, which left an impression on an ever-evolving mind. However, people — especially youngsters — are assuming that technological innovations are some kind of cheat codes. These breakthroughs are actually here to facilitate humankind. It is our incompetence that has led us to misuse these privileges.

Consequently, this major misconception is gradually diminishing our inborn abilities to think actively, creatively and critically. The need of the hour is to reac-tivate our dormant minds. This much-needed revolution can only be externalised by striking the right balance and collab-orating our inborn abilities with techno-logical innovations.

We have become so dependent on our smartphones that when they are put on charge, we tend to experience restlessness. We start to act like a lost arrow — comp-letely aimless and uncertain.

By implementing digital curfews (disconnection from screens for specific periods of time), individuals can take control of the steering wheel of their lives again, manoeuvring it on to the right track.

Javairia Javaid
Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024