In the modern era, advancements in technology, the advent of digital solutions and evolution of the economy have undoubtedly made our lives more convenient. We can accomplish tasks with a few taps on our devices, order food with a single click, communicate with people worldwide in real-time and much more. Technology enables us to do things with ease which earlier required a lot of effort and skills. However, like any other phenomena, though conveniences have made our lives way easier, they also appear to have a major flipside, i.e. the gradual erosion of many essential skills and experiences. There are many examples of this and we will discuss some prominent ones-
Navigational Skills
With GPS and navigation apps at our fingertips, we have become increasingly reliant on technology to find our way around. Gone are the days of meticulously studying maps and asking for directions from locals. While GPS is incredibly helpful, it has led to a decline in our ability to read and understand maps, develop a sense of direction, explore the world with a spirit of adventure and converse with strangers. Rekindling these skills can enhance our independence and appreciation for the art of exploration.
Handwriting
The prevalence of digital communication and paperless offices have made handwriting skills less of a priority. With keyboards and touchscreens, we find ourselves typing more often than putting pen to paper. In fact, even this article was typed on a laptop instead of being written on a paper. While, typing no doubt is more convenient as it provides a certain uniformity of font, autocorrect facilities and also is more portable, easy to disseminate and keep record of, it has lead to the art of beautiful penmanship and the personal touch of handwritten letters and notes to gradually fade away. Writing not only showcases thoughtfulness but also engages different parts of our brain, enhancing memory and creativity, benefits we sacrifice when we choose for the more convenient alternative.
Memory and Recall
The ease of access to information through search engines and digital databases has transformed our approach to learning and knowledge acquisition. While having vast knowledge at our fingertips is empowering, it has somewhat diminished our ability to retain and recall information. Why remember facts when one can just google it? It certainly is more convenient, however, in this process we sacrifice our memory and recall skills through which play an important role in enhancing cognitive abilities and deepen understanding.
Cooking and Culinary Skills
The rise of food delivery apps and pre-packaged meals has made it incredibly convenient to order food at any time. While this is undoubtedly practical, it has led to a decline in home cooking and culinary exploration. Cooking is not just about nourishment; it is an art form that connects us to cultural heritage and fosters creativity.
Social Interaction and Empathy
The convenience of social media and instant messaging has revolutionized how we connect with others. However, virtual interactions can sometimes replace face-to-face conversations, leading to a decline in the ability to empathize and read non-verbal cues. Nurturing social skills and maintaining meaningful in-person connections are crucial for building strong relationships and understanding one another deeply.
Thus, there is no doubt that the conveniences have transformed our lives and the society around us, providing numerous benefits, making life easier, but also have put certain valuable skills and experiences at risk of being lost. This realization leads us to a paradoxical conundrum, should we use the modern conveniences to make our lives easier or should we do things the hard way while watching others take it easy giving us a massive sense of FOMO.
Well, the answer may lie in the age old philosophy of Gautama Buddha, who’s first teaching to his disciples was that of “Madhyam Marg“, i.e. the middle path between extreme asceticism on one hand and sensual indulgence on the other. In the present context, it can be translated into striking a balance between embracing modern conveniences and preserving essential life skills can lead to a more enriched and well-rounded existence. By intentionally honing traditional skills, we can cultivate a sense of self-reliance, creativity, and empathy, creating a harmonious blend of modern convenience and timeless wisdom!