From aversion to smart use

I got my first mobile phone a little over a decade ago, not by choice, but it was thrust upon me. I was not keen on having a mobile, hence was reluctant to use it. However, once I became comfortable using it, I wanted to cling to my old set. On the insistence of my children, I upgraded to a smartphone, but the first few days with my iPhone were harrowing. I was baffled by its apps and intimidated by its umpteen features. Of course, over time I got used to my smartphone, but for quite some time my usage remained limited to calls and messaging.

I was miserably slow in texting. Once while having online chat with my niece, as I struggled to trace and tap the right key to communicate with her, irritated at my slow speed, my niece texted, ‘Bua, so gaye kya?’ Despite my best effort, I was unable to match up with her speed.

Gradually my typing speed improved, but still remains pathetic. Presumptive dictionary has made texting much easier, but I need to beware of auto-correct, which, at times, plays dirty tricks with me. An inadvertent tap and I land into an awkward situation. The worst has been the crazy auto-correct replacing ‘dear’ with ‘dead’, causing huge embarrassment.

The emergence of emojis is a boon. There are ‘smileys’ of all sorts — grinning, laughing, winking, frowning, and so many others that I cannot even figure them out. I use emojis to spice up text conversation — the limited ones that I comprehend.

Well, I have come a long way from being averse to having a cellphone to becoming a mobile addict. There was a time when I used to nag my sons for being on the mobile all the time, but now I am obsessed with it, frequently checking messages and updates on social media. In fact, it is only after my retirement that I have become active on Facebook, even though I had an account that remained dormant for years. Now that I have enough free time, I am occupied ticking ‘likes’, posting and commenting on the posts. Thanks to Facebook, I have been able to get in touch with my old friends, reconnect with many of my students and make a few new friends.

But then, I realise social networking is no substitute for real interaction. Virtual friends do not give the same therapeutic benefit as real friends in the physical world. I look for authentic real people, not the exaggerated acts of camaraderie on digital platforms. Also, too much of involvement in the virtual world — pings and posts — is increasing my screen time at the cost of meaningful activities.

My smartphone has given me easy access to social media at any time I please, but I understand it is not smart to overindulge in social media. I have become smarter now, turned off notifications, rationed time for social media. I am at peace; more relaxed as I have begun to use my phone in moderation.