OPINION: Kilkenny people held hostage by mobile devices

The first cellular mobile phone was demonstrated by John F Mitchell and Martin Cooper in 1973. 

Little did they know that such a basic piece of technology, designed to allow verbal communication, would turn into a mini-computer with answers to every question, apps for every need and act as a tool to spread ‘your message’ to thousands of people around the world via social media. Who would have thought such a beast was possible to create? 

First of all, as a 23-year-old, I’m not immune to the bad habits modern day technology has instilled. WhatsApp, Twitter notifications and scanning various apps are a must, not just daily or hourly, but by the minute!  A small device in my pocket holds the ultimate power over me. A yell to do homework or do the housework is insignificant when Ronaldo’s next move or Bruce Springsteen’s next concert date are just a click away. The days of calling friends or family on a 'brick' of a device are no more. 

We’re in an era where we’ve never had more avenues for information and the ability to broaden our intellectual horizons and communicate with loved ones not just via phone call, but on video chat, WhatsApp and other forms of technology. The world must be a greater place now?

Unfortunately not, for all the modern advancements we’ve lost the very traits that are or at least were at the heart of every human being, the ability to communicate. Granted, we can get in touch with someone in microseconds, it’s almost too easy. But no longer do we have a friendly chat on High Street after months apart, we snap and text each other so often that peace and time alone is non-existent for so many people around the world. It’s frightening to think you could be in communication with your pen-pal in Azerbaijan more frequently than those people that sit in your living room every evening.

Talking has become old-fashioned. The choice to text someone thousands of miles away over using your vocal chords has become a viable option. What planet am I on you may ask? This is planet earth in 2023.

Social anxiety and rudeness is a common theme among today’s generation and their parents who are slowly but surely being converted to the technology cult. Perhaps rudeness may be strong but it is unquestionable that the ability to chat and show interest in your fellow human being who didn’t tweet you first is wavering.

These unhealthy moves into the 21st Century may seem more like irritants than problems. However, the most substantial impact of a device smarter than us sitting in our pockets 24/7 is not its additions to our lives, of which there are many, but what it takes away.

For every new cooking recipe you learn, precious speaking time with a loved one is taken away and while you read that tweet with the most-heartwarming story you’ve ever encountered, a person with a life-experience full of stories beyond your wildest dreams are likely to be in your inner-circle but you’ve never asked.

These moments which were life defining and learning experiences for our parents and grandparents have been snatched away for new experiences, not part of the real-world but in a cyberspace where truth and fiction mingle together. 

At this point you may be commenting, who is this Mr Doom and why is he painting such a grim picture? And, if you have found the balance between real-life and the fantasy land that is the world wide web, I commend you. But, but, but, there are people being held hostage by their mobile phones. 

As they walk down the street, their head is glued to their phone, their air pods are firmly placed in their ears and they are zoned out from the world. The singing of the birds, the honking of cars during the school rush and bumping into friends and neighbours, non-existent. Well… maybe the latter still exists, quite literally! 

Surely any ‘advancement,’ technology or otherwise must be an improvement for society. But how can we deem a device that wipes away our ability to live in the world we were born into progression? 

I sincerely hope this is a phase akin to the dodgy fashion on show in the 1980s. I’m not suggesting we return to 1923 but it is imperative we re-find the balance in our lives.

Choose a path where we can use our mobile phones for information and exploration while also being able to switch it off. After all, whether you enjoy, alcohol, chocolate or a good movie, you can’t enjoy all of life’s pleasures all of the time without eroding other parts of your life. We get one chance, live in the moment. There is no replay button.