By- Vrunda Patel

In a country where over 1.2 billion mobile phone users are just a tap away from each other,it’s fair to say India is digitally thriving. Apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook have become as routine as morning chai. But amid this hyper connectivity, one can’t help but wonder: Are we truly connected, or are we just scrolling through the motions?

According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), as of 2023, India has over 750 million internet users, with nearly 70% of them active on social media platforms daily. Ahmedabad alone has seen a 35% increase in mobile internet usage in the last three years. This digital boom has created a world where friendships, love, and even families function via pixels and pings. But here’s the kicker – more online doesn’t always mean more connected. A study by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) revealed that over 55% of Indian youth feel lonelier now than they did five years ago, despite being constantly online. That’s a red flag. As the old saying goes, “All that glitters is not gold.” Just because someone replies with a heart emoji doesn’t mean they’re emotionally present.

We’re living in a time where likes are mistaken for love and followers for friends. Tech entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani once said, “Technology is a great servant, but a terrible master.” And he nailed it. The very tools meant to keep us in touch sometimes drive us apart. Face-to-face conversations are being
replaced by texting, while meaningful chats have turned into snapping streaks. Sure, digital communication has its silver linings. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, video calls became the lifelines for families separated by geography. Platforms like Zoom and Google Meet saw a 200% rise in daily usage across India. But let’s not forget, a virtual hug can never replace the warmth of a real one. As the Gujarati idiom goes, “Je vive chhe te j samje chhe” (Only those
who truly live it, understand it).

SO, WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

We need to hit pause. Taking a “digital detox” even just one day a week can work wonders. Replacing screen time with real time, talking instead of typing, and listening instead of liking can revive the authenticity of our relationships. In simple terms, you’ve got to unplug to truly recharge.

As Ratan Tata wisely said, “Technology is a useful servant but should not become your master.” Let’s keep it that way.