Emotions of Emoticon

Technology has revolutionized our world and has given the greatest gift to humankind - Freedom of Speech without any discrimination. The universe of virtual reality has given equal opportunity to everyone to talk about their wants and needs openly, all while praying in their hearts that everyone is listening. Virtual reality has given us virtual friends, virtual presence, virtual life & virtual VALIDATION. 

In earlier days, for want of validation, we have always bowed to the norms of society. We had always thrived to run each other over in this never-ending race which we have been competing in from time immemorial. The classic “achey bahu” or “achey bache” or "achey bete" etc. , people have been killing each other (even themselves) on the altar and still haven’t got the story of sacrifice published on the front page. Ah!! what a tragedy. All goes down behind the walls of their own home and the world remains unaware.

But this was the story of the past. Now we have the POWER. We can get as much validation as much as is the count of our followers/friends online. So what if those validating us online don't know our personal life more than we show off, so what if we lose friends on losing internet connection, SO WHAT!! Validation is validation, Isn’t it??

Millennial kids sure remember the fun they used to have with real-life friends, hardback books, and real-time conversations. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks were nowhere to be seen. You used to have real people to tackle real-life problems. We still remember those old days fondly don't we. I agree we have a busy life juggling multiple jobs at the same time but what legacy we are passing on to the next generation. It really breaks my heart to see such young kids having stronger affinity towards mobile phones than their own families. Don't get me wrong I am all out for use of technology it has really changed our world entirely, but for better or for worse that we have decide.

COVID-19 has made us come face to face with our own realities. In two months of complete lockdown, after binge-watching every episode of every web series ever we finally broke down and took some measures to revive our passions/hobbies, gave quality time to our family, helped in kitchen, played with children, had real conversations with our parents, spoke with our spouses etc. I agree it was a bittersweet experience but it was humane experience nonetheless which we will never forget in our lifetime.  Let's not wait for another pandemic to get in touch with ourselves again. Let's keep this ball rolling.