Editor,
The recent tragedy in Thangshalai village, where a ten-year-old girl took her own life after being denied access to a mobile phone, is a chilling testament to the insidious grip technology has on our younger generation. This heart-wrenching incident is not an isolated case, but a symptom of a far more pervasive and dangerous epidemic sweeping through our society.
The truth that prevails today is that technology, particularly mobile devices and social media, has become a toxic force in the lives of our children. What was once touted as a tool for connection and progress has morphed into a digital parasite, slowly eroding the mental health, social skills, and resilience of an entire generation. And now, we’re seeing the horrifying consequences of this unchecked digital invasion in the most vulnerable members of society – children.
The fact that a child so young could be driven to such an extreme act over a mere device is a scathing indictment of how deeply technology has warped our children’s sense of reality and self-worth. We’ve created a world where young minds equate digital presence with existence itself, where the fear of missing out has become so crippling that it can drive a child to the unthinkable.
This addiction – for that’s what it is – has robbed our youth of the simple joys of childhood. Gone are the days of carefree play in the outdoors, of face-to-face interactions that build genuine social skills, of the patience and perseverance that come from real-world experiences. Instead, we’ve handed our children digital pacifiers, instant gratification machines that short-circuit their developing brains and leave them ill-equipped to handle the slightest frustration or delay.
This isn’t about bad parenting or kids being too sensitive. It’s about a systemic failure to recognize and address the addictive nature of our devices and platforms. The apps we use daily aren’t just products; they’re carefully crafted dopamine slot machines, designed to keep us scrolling, tapping, and craving more. And if we, as adults, struggle with this, imagine the impact on a developing mind.
We must wake up to the harsh reality that technology is rewiring our children’s brains, and not for the better. Studies have shown alarming links between excessive screen time and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among young people. The dopamine-driven feedback loops of likes, shares, and notifications are creating a generation of digital junkies, constantly craving the next hit of virtual validation.
Moreover, this technology addiction is stunting crucial developmental skills. Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to form deep, meaningful relationships are all casualties in this digital onslaught. We’re raising a generation that may be tech-savvy but is woefully unprepared for the complexities of real-world interactions and challenges.
The time for half-measures and moderation is long past. We need a radical reevaluation of technology’s role in our children’s lives. This means:
1. Implementing strict regulations on smartphone and social media usage for minors.
2. Investing in alternative, non-digital activities and spaces for youth engagement.
3. Educating parents and teachers about the real dangers of excessive technology use.
4. Promoting digital detox programs in schools and communities.
5. Holding tech companies accountable for their predatory practices targeting young users.
The tragedy in Thangshalai village should serve as a final, urgent wake-up call. We cannot afford to lose more young lives to this digital plague. It’s time to reclaim our children’s childhoods, to nurture their minds and spirits in the real world, not the virtual one.
As a society, we must have the courage to stand against the tide of technological dependency. Our children’s lives and futures are at stake. The path forward won’t be easy, but it’s one we must take if we hope to salvage the well-being and potential of an entire generation.
We have to steer society towards a healthier, more balanced future. The life we save might not just be a child’s – it could be the future of human connection itself. The time for action is now, before we lose any more innocent lives to the all-consuming maw of the digital world.
Yours etc.,
wPaul Melvyn Pathaw
Serampore College,
West Bengal
Urgent need for experienced traffic management at Mawlai Petrol Pump
Editor,
I wish to draw attention to the growing problem of traffic mismanagement at Mawlai Pump, and Lad Weiking area. The traffic personnel currently employed seem to be from the Home Guards or inexperienced traffic police who lack the necessary experience to handle the congestion in this critical junction effectively. As a result, there have been extended delays, stretching from Mawiong all the way to Mawlai Petrol Pump. On Monday, I was stuck in traffic at 5:30 PM near NARI Mawiong and only managed to cross Mawlai Pump Petrol Pump by 7:30 PM. Astonishingly, after passing this area, the traffic cleared completely, indicating that the congestion is concentrated solely due to poor traffic control at Mawlai Petrol Pump. Taxi drivers frequently overtake recklessly, further worsening the situation, which the current traffic personnel seem unable to handle.
This issue persists, particularly on Mondays and Fridays, but it affects other days as well. The Police Traffic department must take note of this situation and deploy experienced traffic police to manage this critical bottleneck. By doing so, they can ensure smoother traffic flow and prevent unnecessary delays and frustration for daily commuters.
I urge the Police Traffic department to consider deploying more experienced personnel who can ensure safe and efficient traffic movement in the Mawlai Petrol Pump area.
Yours etc.,
A Sarki,
Shillong