|| Technology and Human Being ||

|| TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN BEING ||

One of the leading corporate figures says, "We are changing the world with technology." However, do the sun, the moon, the stars, plants, nature, birds, and animals, existing in this universe like us, ever think of changing the world? A human being wants to make a change, but for what purpose? To make the universe better to create calamity, to lose emotions and feelings, or to control human power? Over the years, so many scientific changes have occurred due to technology, and ultimately, the result has been some natural calamities. Human beings have had to restart everything from living to leaving. The way humans have to grow, however, technology appears, the same way technology has to grow but in a direction where humans direct. Airplanes are made to reduce the distance between humans, but smartphones have been made to increase the distance between humans. Until the time technology helps humans survive, it is fine, but when it takes away humanity from humans, it becomes dangerous.

Today's airplanes, trains, and many other technological revolutions can accommodate numerous people at once. Similarly, in a calamity, Lord Krishna had to choose only one finger to lift the mountain, yet he could save many people at once without any technology. Similarly, an emperor in ancient times could defeat all the devils with his own hand, whereas today we use nuclear bombs to kill many people. From humans to new technology like humanoid robots, we have come a long way, but along this path, we have lost many human values. Instead of reading and overcoming life's challenges with just one book, the Bhagavad Gita, we are inundated with numerous WhatsApp messages, Google searches, Facebook posts, and other social media content.

Today, we rely on technology for almost everything. Even to communicate with family members in the next room, we use smartphones, missing out on the simple act of talking face-to-face or holding hands. Children now need iPads, phones, or video games to entertain themselves while eating, instead of enjoying loving conversations with their parents or listening to lullabies. Sending money to parents via smartphone apps has replaced the traditional act of seeking blessings in person and enjoying homemade meals prepared by our mothers. We've even replaced the simple joys of picking flowers and fruits from gardens or farms with the use of robots, missing the connection with nature and the satisfaction of selecting fruits by hand. It's time to realize the importance of human connections alongside the benefits of technology.

I have been practicing for the last 32 years and have witnessed tremendous growth in hearing aids and cochlear implants in my field. Hearing aids were simpler amplifiers before, but now we can minutely program them according to individual requirements, allowing people to hear almost near-normal. Digital technology works to enhance speech sounds and reduce environmental loud sounds to an individual's tolerance level. If technology is utilized in the right manner, we can reduce disability in society. However, in some professions, the acceptance of disability is not welcomed, and there is resistance to technological changes even when they offer the best rehabilitation. In these cases, people often question why they should spend money on technology.

People often opt for low socio-economic hearing aids, compromising on the quality of their hearing. They look for quick and easy solutions, often influenced by others' choices. Many times, hearing aids are purchased from over-the-counter platforms, even if they are not well-programmed. However, effective hearing relies on more than just having hearing aids; it also requires emotional connections with others to truly feel and understand sounds. Unfortunately, these crucial factors are often overlooked as people opt for convenient solutions. Consequently, a significant amount of money, time, and effort is wasted in this industry, despite the potential miracles that technology can achieve.

It seems like we humans are often caught in a state of confusion, unsure of what we truly want to achieve with technology. Some may use it simply for the sake of it, while others may follow the crowd without truly understanding its potential. We seem to overlook the fact that technology alone cannot solve all problems; human connections are essential to completing tasks effectively. This pattern isn't just limited to our profession; it's evident in many other areas where technology could make a significant impact but is underutilized due to a lack of awareness. For instance, I have an uncle who, despite my explanation about the importance of advanced technology for his age-related hearing loss, opted for a cheaper option. As a result, he continues to struggle with hearing issues.

It's a concerning situation. With approximately 450 special schools for the hearing impaired in India, each accommodating an average of 250 students, there's a considerable number of individuals relying on standardized technology like hearing aids. However, the one-size-fits-all approach often overlooks the individualized needs of each student. Factors such as their unique hearing abilities, living circumstances, and exposure to sounds vary greatly, yet they are provided with the same common technology. Considering a minimum cost of Rs. 5000 for hearing aids for both ears, the amount of misuse or waste of technology is staggering. This issue isn't exclusive to hearing-related technology; similar instances of waste occur across various industries worldwide.

Indeed, humans have developed technology to keep pace with the fast-changing world, but often fail to utilize it effectively due to a lack of understanding. Instead, we tend to follow the crowd, overlooking the importance of comprehending and applying technology thoughtfully. It's crucial to recognize that any technology, no matter how advanced, lacks the human touch, and therefore, its full potential cannot be realized without human involvement. Just as we feel insecure about each other today, there may come a time when we feel insecure about technology as well. However, by thinking positively, delving deeply into the implications of technology, and making informed decisions, we can shape a future where technology truly enhances our lives. Additionally, integrating technology into mother care can provide invaluable support, but it's essential to maintain the human element, ensuring that nurturing and emotional connection remain central to caregiving.