I remember coming home from school and eagerly waiting for the clock to turn fine as it was the time to go out and play. Cricket, football, hide and seek were our favorites. But as we grew old, with the advent of smartphones, there was so much to do ‘at home’. The same streets on which we collected so many memories, now are empty and the change is too much to digest.
Smartphones, tablets and laptops are all so amazing and are very much a ‘need’ in today’s era. I remember getting my first smartphone in 2010 and the way things got easier in my life. I absolutely enjoyed playing games on it, the fact that I could listen to innumerable songs, watching videos and making presentations ‘on the go’. Life certainly had changed. But at the same time, I also missed a young guy or girl coming up and asking me “Can I play with you guys too?”
Today, we have to accept the fact that outdoor games are on the decline. The reason for this, if you ask me, is the exposure to these electronic devices at a very young age. It’s amazing how a child can learn to operate a smartphone so easily but has nobody in his building to play with. When he returns home from school, he does not have the urge to go out and play as all of his friends are just a ‘touch’ away.
On the other hand, we also have to accept that with such exposure, children at a very young age are up to date with the latest technology and are at par with anybody else. But is this required? Do they need to know about these devices at an age where there’s so much they can do? I never had them until I was 16, yet I am quite proficient in most of the devices.
I’m not against these devices but I really feel for the children who miss out on so much fun they could be having. Bonding, sharing and caring, there’s so much to learn. When you’re exploring the world, you ultimately end up becoming street smart. As you get into college, graduate school, you end up having lesser time for yourself and spend most of your time on these very devices. You might want to enjoy the playground beside your house, but will have to take time out of your schedule. It never happens!
A suggestion from me would be that children should be exposed to such devices, albeit at a young age, but for a limited amount of time. Parents could lend their smartphones to their children instead of buying new ones. This would ensure that they keep themselves updated with the technology and at the same time, ensure their participation in outdoor games, socializing, making friends etc. Socializing is something we learn over a period of time. We don’t want our younger generation to end up being shy as they’ve not had the right social experience.
We can conclude that these life-changing devices are great, they’re wonders. I have had a great time using them, but exposure to them (for so much time) at a very young age, well, I’m not a fan of that.
