‘Technology does not have its own destiny, it’s on us how we shape it.’

In the current world, smartphones have become an extension of our minds and limbs. We cannot think, eat, or even sleep without our tech devices. “Hey, Google! Remind me to have lunch at 2 PM. Hey Siri, book me an appointment with my dermatologist.” We are talking to machines and Artificial Intelligence as a norm and detaching ourselves from self-initiated work and chores like switching on a light or turning on a music system. 

So, there is no good reason to shun such advancements, right? Well, this is the grey area for technology that comes without warning or want. The more hours you spend scrolling, looking at cat videos, or just searching for something that you actually do not want, there is so much that is getting moulded in your mind. But still, technology has become an irreversible part of our lives. In the world of commercialization and industrialization, we cannot just grow apart from technology. 

The fourth day of JLF 2023 began with addressing all such concerns when an interesting conversation took place between Nandan Nilekani, Tanuj Bhokjwani, and Anirudh Suri. 

OH I AM TAKING A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA: EVERY GEN Z EVER 

It is important to know how to live with technology rather than how to live without it.

Nandan Nilekani

During the pandemic, more and more people were spending time on their laptops and mobile phones. People were working from their homes, people were playing more games to escape the monotony, and of course, people were having relationships via phones.  

“The book, Art of Bitfulness came through during the pandemic when we realised more and more people are getting upset and irritable,” says Nandan. 

THE TOXIC TECH

Nowadays, we see people taking a break from social media, especially Generation Z and Millennials. The mental and physical drain of social media has led some of us to totally shun the virtual world.

“Everybody is frustrated, taking a break has become common for younger generations. Irrespective of the kind of tech, methods of usage are the same, one way or the other,” says Tanuj. 

GIVE IT A FREE REIGN OR AVOID IT?

There are no universal values when it comes to technology.

Nandan Nilekani

“I am not just technology optimistic, but I am using it to do good for the world,” says Nandan.

According to Nandan, right now in the world, there are four different paradigms when it comes to tech: First, The US Model (creating big companies with tech that grab the whole market), second The Chinese Model (the state-led tech and firewalls), third The European Model (market regulation, GDP led by tech), and fourth The Indian Model (empowering citizens via tech).

“I think the way we are handling technology is the most balanced way to do it.”

PUSH AND PULL MODEL 

Merit keeps changing in the economy. Right now, the internet is a merit, tech is a merit. In the past, being a good horseman or hunter was a merit. We must adapt to the changing dynamics.

Tanuj Bhokjwani

When it comes to internet usage, there is a  push and pull model. The pull model will allow one to travel through the internet, exposing one to a wide arena of things and possibilities. On the other hand, a push model will ‘push’ the user and feed things to keep one captivated.

Push is the risk, according to Nandan.

INTERNET AND INDIVIDUALISM 

“Technology does not have its own destiny, it’s on us how we shape it.” 

People are becoming more and more individualistic in nature. No one talks at dinner tables anymore. Everyone is engrossed in their favourite Netflix show, or just watching movies. Are smartphones leading us there? “People only want to hear and listen to content that goes along with their ideologies. With hyperspeed, it has become more difficult to predict,” says Nandan.

But Tanuj says there is still hope. “I see people using the internet to build communities. My friend recently connected with a group of mothers on Facebook who gave birth in 2023 and she feels really safe and comfortable talking to the other mothers. This should be made the frontier model of the internet,” he said.