Smartphone Saga
Saturday 2 November 2024
As I reflect on my childhood, a profound nostalgia washes over me for a
simpler time - one that stands in stark contrast to today's tech-centric
world. The gap between then and now feels insurmountable, rather like
attempting to bridge the Grand Canyon with a vintage Nokia 3310 (I
proudly owned one!).
The rapid pace of change in our modern world is astounding. The other
day, our daughter Ume Laila and her husband Abbas Haider visited,
bringing their spirited children, Zain (6 years) and Nail (3 years), who were
already glued to their parents' phones. As we settled into the living room,
Abbas sparked a fascinating conversation: “What did people do before
smartphones?” With a chuckle, he admitted, “I’d go mad without mine - the
silence would be unbearable.” This light-hearted observation encapsulated
the challenge we face in today's society: technology has become so
integrated into our lives that the thought of disengagement can feel almost
unthinkable.
The situation becomes even more pronounced during visits from our
eldest granddaughter, Emaan Fatima (who says she is a first-time teen in
life), who arrives equipped with her dizzying array of devices and
exceptional skills in navigating them. While she often helps troubleshoot
my smartphones - enhancing the appearance of my home screen or
cleaning up unnecessary pages - I find myself wrestling with the desire to
limit her device use, especially beyond bedtime or at the expense of her
studies. Striking that balance has proven to be quite a challenge for us. As
a granddad, how can I prevent myself from turning into the 'grumpy old
man' of the third generation while also learning to let go of my worries and
allow her to enjoy her time?
Growing up in the pre-smartphone era, life felt refreshingly uncomplicated.
We relied on our memories instead of Google, and social media was
nonexistent. Authentic connections flourished, and moments were fully
lived rather than curated for Instagram. We engaged in hours-long
conversations devoid of emojis and autocorrects—interactions that
fostered genuine relationships grounded in shared experiences.
Today, smartphones dominate our lives, with approximately 4.88 billion
users globally, a figure projected to skyrocket to 6 billion by 2027. I can
still recall the excitement of owning my first BlackBerry smartphone, which
revolutionized my daily routines. Yet, I often struggle to remember how I
entertained myself during idle moments—commutes, lunch breaks, or
those precious in-between times - before these devices became
extensions of our very selves.
In those carefree days, joy was found in board games, outdoor
adventures, and team sports. We immersed ourselves in books,
newspapers, and the melodies flowing from radios and cassette players.
Letter writing was a cherished art, filled with anticipation for the postman.
Navigation relied on maps, asking for directions, and our mental maps.
Communication was tethered to landlines, with payphones offering vital
lifelines to the outside world.
Despite its simplicity, this life was rich and fulfilling. We prioritized
meaningful relationships, the beauty of nature, and self-reflection. Time
moved at a gentler pace, allowing for deeper connections and a satisfying
sense of contentment.
However, smartphones represent a mixed blessing. They enable global
connectivity through social media, instant messaging, and video calls,
providing crucial support networks and educational resources that can
alleviate feelings of loneliness. Yet, over-reliance on technology can
diminish real-life interactions and foster a sense of isolation. Social media
often leads to unhealthy comparisons that can damage self-esteem, while
superficial online interactions fail to fill the void of true connection.
Furthermore, excessive screen time can spiral into addiction, exacerbating
feelings of loneliness and disconnection from our surroundings.
So, how can we find balance in this digital age? We must learn to use
technology as a supplement to, not a replacement for, human connection.
Setting limits on screen time and prioritizing face-to-face interactions is
crucial. Engaging in online communities that promote meaningful
discussions can be beneficial, provided we remember that digital
interactions should enhance rather than supplant physical ones. If feelings
of loneliness persist, seeking professional help can be an important step
toward reclaiming a sense of community.
Investing time in offline hobbies and social activities that nourish our spirit
is vital. Organizing family game nights, outdoor excursions, or book clubs
not only strengthens our bonds but also fosters authentic relationships
without the interference of screens. The popularization of educational
applications and digital games can further contribute to increased screen
time, making it essential to understand its implications. We all know that
excessive screen use can negatively impact children’s health - physically,
mentally, and cognitively.
Navigating this digital age requires a balanced approach - one that melds
technology with personal connections, self-care, and professional support.
By embracing both the benefits of technology and the richness of
authentic human connection, we can effectively tackle loneliness and
enrich our lives across generations. As we embark on this journey, let us
remember to cherish the vibrant tapestry of life that exists beyond the
glowing screens before us.
This appeared in daily the Nation on 29 Sep 2024
Labels: Publications
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Saturday, November 02, 2024,
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In Loving Memory of Lt Col Sheikh Khalid Masood (Retd)
Friday 1 November 2024
I first met Khalid Masood on April 17, 1975, when we joined the 55 PMA Long Course at PMA Kakul and landed up in Platoon Khalid 4 (he was later posted to Tariq 1). From that day, a deep and enduring friendship blossomed that spanned decades. The countless memories we created together are treasures I will carry with me forever.
As an esteemed artillery officer, Khalid served our nation with honor and distinction, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and subordinates alike. His unwavering commitment to his duty and his country will always be remembered and revered.
Upon his retirement, Khalid Masood settled into a new chapter of his life in Askari 9, just a few houses away from mine. Here, he found solace in prayer, enjoyed invigorating walks, and dedicated himself to acts of kindness. Each encounter with him, whether on his way to the Mosque or during casual meetings around the walkways of Askari 9, filled me with peace as he shared his insightful and comforting words.
During the summer months, Khalid would retreat to his home in the serene hill station of Murree, where the tranquility of nature echoed his gentle spirit.
Shortly after the demise of Lt Col Iqbal (12 Oct 2024). the 55 PMA Long Course has lost a true brother-in-arms, and I have lost a dear friend. May Allah bless his soul eternally.
Rest in peace, Khalid Masood. Your legacy of kindness, compassion, and service to the nation will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, we celebrate a life well-lived and a spirit that will never be forgotten.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon (From Allah we come, and to Allah we return).
Labels: 55 PMA, Men At Their Best, Obituary
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, November 01, 2024,
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