The future not only of humanity

Closer home, in India some parents are preferring home schools with no gadget rules. The solution isn’t a blanket ban." Prof HarariDr Sharma outlines behavioral addiction as a state when there is a preoccupation with, or involvement in, computer-related activities that starts affecting physical, psychological, social and financial well-being.Logging out of facebook, deleting snapchats, deactivating Instagrams and announcing the inevitable demise on Twitter, many mindful individuals are now keeping smart Wholesale PEVA laminated fabric gadgets off their radarIt’s official. No, don’t get us wrong, there are innumerable positives of the digital and smart age and its path-breaking innovations. This is Round 2 of the same challenge! But the next gen is way smarter. You might retort, does it really matter? Especially when there is a tutorial or app at hand. How can we declare it bad or good? It’s just different. Another step toward social depersonalisation. Later, letter writing was used to communicate. We are always connected but never with any real connections.

The future not only of humanity, but probably of life itself, depends on how we use AI and biotechnology. We create technology, and then technology recreates us."Samita RathoreYoga guru Bharat Thakur is concerned about this use of technology.No social media, no gadgetsSandalwood superstar, Dr Shivarajkumar has refrained from entering social media. The alarming and rapid advancement in technology still remains a huge concern that is yet to be addressed. We don’t have any economic model for such a situation.Bharat ThakurActress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is not on social media, neither is Ranbir Kapoor. A balance is essential. It consists of 20 items that measures mild, moderate and severe level of Internet Addiction, and along with Facebook Intensity questionnaire is used to measure Facebook usage beyond simple measures of frequency and duration. I could be wrong but that is how it works. Lost in the virtual world, forgetting reality, what has become of our lives? Social media seems to be turning humanity ‘less’ social. As an actor too, it is not necessary. It begs the question, where are we heading towards? While social media can be a positive, today, it is promoting disharmony.Heart to heartGrounded in a self-belief of human interactions, Dr Shivarajkumar says, "As an actor, I am confident about interacting directly.SHUT Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, AFMC Pune. How to use them wisely is the most important question facing humankind. His study states, "Problematic Internet use has been associated with psychiatric distress, when seeking online social comfort.

This worrying addiction to social media and gizmos had made us forget face to face parlay. How you deal with the useless class may well be the greatest economic and political question of the 21st century. These changes have forced researchers and mental health professionals to include Internet addiction in the DSM V appendix as a condition requiring further research. Billions of people who are not just unemployed, but unemployable. If I feel like sharing or communicating, I can directly reach the concerned. So the best advice I can give on this is to get back in touch with your body. Technology is a boon but anything in excess is harmful. The advent of the refuniks of social media and tech. The tiny light flickering at the end of this hard-wired AI tunnel is the slow move of those mindful enough to make a conscious effort to humanise their lives, instead of their savvy digital avatars."Centers for Technology Addiction in India:Service for healthy use of technology clinic (SHUT) set up by National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in April 2004. I am planning on using a regular basic Nokia phone as I don’t want to be inundated by 100 people and their thoughts. What is the big deal about social media that it needs to be used by all?" Shivanna questions, adding, "My family, well-wishers and fans boost my career, and in turn, this (direct) bonding is stronger," he adds. Or when a game of a visible deranged boy, the Blue Whale Challenge, saw fatalities rising, it begs an inherent scrutiny of digital AI age and what we are doing to balance it. Where would I be without instant messaging or the ability to learn online? I would be tremendously inefficient! The purpose of tech is to make us more productive and that, it certainly has."Yoga guru Bharat Thakur, a prolific painter too, looks at social media with consternation. An anxious person who has no offline presence will try and project sociability.Dr ShivarajkumarYoga expert Samita Rathore cautions on balance, "Anything and everything can be used constructively or destructively.. Dependency, whether on technology or any object, is self-sabotaging. Detox and live!" Which brings us back to the dehumanising and Prof Harari has spoken about how the Stone Age man was more hardworking and better equipped, "In the modern era, technology has been distancing us from our bodies. We are far more interested in what is happening in cyberspace than right here, right now. In the long run, we have to work on enhancement of consciousness and awareness about the use of technology, benefits and consequences. Even from the times of Appaji (his iconic father late Dr Rajkumar), we have been open about our work and life. The third is to work on the enhancement of communication in school, at home or office. I try once a week to have a gadget-free day."Prof Harari is concerned about this reliance on networks and gadgets, "By 2040, we may see the creation of a massive new class — the useless class. Rather, it is part of a process that has always existed."Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, additional professor of Clinical Psychology, SHUT (Service for Healthy use of Technology) Clinic, NIMHANS has been working with youngsters addressing diverse effects of technology at Shut, India’s first clinic to manage technology addiction. Then came the printing press. In an earlier interview with Prof Harari, he had said, "In the 21st century, the rise of AI and biotechnology will transform the world. The Israeli thinker worries about the imminent AI-driven world. Are these changes good? It is difficult to answer. Secondly, cyber literacy enhancement is a must, the dos and don’ts of being online — as children as young as 10 years — have had cyber sexual issues. Some philosophers and sociologists are calling it the dumbing of human society, and according to a new YouGov survey of the UK’s Goodhousekeeping Institute, the youth are finding even small everyday chores hard — not knowing how to change a fuse, make a bed or sew a button. When TV came, remember talk about addiction to it taking away social skills? Am sure there were learned folk making similar predictions. Ek insaan jab akela hota hai woh tab hi insaan banta hai (an individual who is alone with himself becomes a human). We have been losing our ability to pay attention to what we smell, touch and taste, and get increasingly absorbed in our smartphones and computers. But you and I did manage to find a balance. Then 30 years ago, email and instant messaging came and humans began to invest less time on social interactions. Not just the online self, as people today only gauge online presentations.

According to recent reports, young technologists are weaning themselves off their own products in Silicon Valley, and even ensuring their children are sent to elite schools where iPhones, iPads and laptops are banned. The Century Star has seen the rise of this entity that feeds on immediate satiation, "I do not feel the need for it."Dr Manoj Kumar SharmaThe useless classIsraeli historian and author of the bestselling books Homo Sapiens and Homo Deus, Professor Yuval Harai explores this shift in human nature exhaustively. He feels it distances us from our very nature. It helps me stay connected with who I am. Yet, smart phones and social media has created a dystopia that while connecting the fancy free, socially exuberant social avatars, is also creating a long term disconnect. So, be it tech executive Naina Lokhani, who prefers to talk and have face to face discussions at work because otherwise everything gets swept under the data carpet or Sandalwood superstar Shivarajkumar who has chosen to stay away from social media, there is a palpable "going back to our roots" and putting the digital revolution on the backburner. With the rapid development of AI, our responses to messages, Google searches and preferences are being predicted and suggested.  Dr Sharma advises, "Working on an individual’s ideal self and real self is important. Why convey something and later hide behind social media? I even think, it is not safe. Till the age of 16 to 19, children should be banned from using social media so that they can cultivate human relations. If you don’t feel at home in your body, you will never feel at home in the world." Something for us to seriously consider?Answer four C’s to gauge addictionControl: Are you able to or not able to exercise control over various behavioural habits?Compulsion: Are you over involved in the above activity  when there is no need for it?Craving: Do you look for an opportunity to use/indulge in your habits?Consequences: Do you neglect other academic, professional and personal commitments or responsibilities? There is also an Internet addiction Test (IAT) developed by Kimberly Young, which is a reliable and valid measure of addictive use of Internet, developed by Dr Kimberly Young. A gap between the parent and the child and a decrease in bonding and a lack of moral education ensues. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie too. The dehumanising of human society is imminent. Incidentally, Harari himself does not believe in smart phones, and does not own one. But we have to protect our lifestyle — six hours sleep, adequate meals, social interaction, outdoor physical activity," advises Dr Sharma. Yes, it does make them more insular with a tendency to refrain from chats but I do not see that as a problem, it’s just their way of being different. Yes, AI and technology have aided leaps of progress, but on the flip side lies an ugly and incomprehendable animal whose ability is dictated by swiping left or right, without parlay. Everyone is engrossed.RJ AnjaanDubai-based speaker, travel influencer and yogatrippie, RJ Anjaan also prefers a detox, "We have become oblivious to the world around and are so immersed in a digital sphere. If I have something to share, I do it in person. That is lacking today.— Inputs from Shashiprasad SM. "Let us analyse the progression —  1980 to 2017. The growing concern is how technology is leading to "continuous partial attention", limiting focus, and possibly lowering IQ! A Guardian article recently said that the mere presence of smart phones is damaging cognitive capacity — even when turned off! Justin Rosenstein, the creator of the "like" button, himself believes in its negative consequences, according to some reports. Unplug. I feel alone in a room filled with people. Yes, says psychologist Sharma affirming this deeper hubris of the obsession with digitally savvy interactions. I am positive they will find a balance." A thought voiced by many who can see behind this unsuspecting quagmire of social connectivity."In joint families that spend time together, there is a lesser use of technology. Yet, all around I see everyone on their phones. Author and visiting faculty at IIM-A, Apurv Nagpal sees positivity in technology, and feels we will find a balance, "Students today are far better informed and tech savvy. So, what are we teaching the young?Nicole FariaWhen Bots took over Facebook recently.

Technology is miraculous, but it makes our lives a hectic clockwork that ignores human biology. If we can be mature about it, and remember that we have been given hands and legs to walk on earth, then it’s not as bad. People estranged from their bodies, senses and physical environment are likely to feel extremely alienated and disoriented.Yet, all is not lost. The larger disconnect is ensconcing itself into the fabric of society that dwells on likes and shares — where good ol’ hellos are defunct. Yes, technology is unavoidable, as it enhances human evolution. Logging out of facebook, deleting snapchats, deactivating Instagrams and announcing the inevitable and timely demise on Twitter, many mindful individuals are keeping smart gadgets off their radar. These emotional feelings increase the risk of developing Internet addiction though there is dearth of documentation on it."Getting in touch with ourselvesRJ Anjaan advises, "My plea is to stay away from gadgets once in a while. We have so much press and TV around. Students have to be made aware and counselled. I don’t think the rapid depersonalisation of human interaction today is something new. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders - IV (DSM-IV TR) by the American Psychiatric Association recognises behavioral addiction under substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder or impulse control disorder..So would one rather speak and be heard, than tweet and be interred in the digital galaxy? Actress Nicole Faria, who prides herself on balancing this social juggernaut, explains, "Earlier people relied on storytellers.Centre for Children in Internet and Technology Distress started by an NGO Uday Foundation in Sarvodya Enclave, South Delhi. There has been a sea change in how we communicate." The twitter wars and sheer acrimony on social media has gone ballistic, and Thakur echoes psychological studies that have shown that what we learn young is what becomes a part of our character.

It also included a fare few fashion

Calvin KleinKidman was made for walking on the red carpet and can barely do wrong when it comes to fashion.Sofia VergaraDesigner: Mark ZuninoModern Family star and Colombian beauty looked like an ocean goddess in her mermaid-style dress with diamond encrusted earrings and rings by Lorraine Schwartz. The sequins, glitter and feathers did not appear to compliment each other or show off her fabulous shape. The Grace and Frankie actor looked banging in a long-sleeve, custom, waterfall-back pink gown with a new hairdo.Tracee Ellis RossDesigner: ChanelThe Black-ish actress wore a silver dress from the fashion houses spring 2017 couture collection. Even though the colours looked good, the shiny fabric killed her appearance.However, whatever their dresses were ranked, many Hollywoods stars showed their unity and support for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and their  initiative "Stand With the ACLU" initiative.Jane FondaDesigner: Brandon MaxwellShe maybe 79, but her fashion skills are still on point.

It also included a fare few fashion faux pas.WORSTAriel WinterDesigner:  Australian designer Steven KhalilThe Modern Family star went a little too far choosing two thigh-high splits gown which did not appear to look flattering. Zuri HallDesigner: Raisa & VanessaWhile the TV personality may have tried 420D-DIAMOND to embrace the trend of metallic, her look was a tad over-the-top and is the perfect example for when less sometimes really is more. The Big Little Lies star showed off her slim waist in an incredible vibrant red dress.Debra MessingDesigner: UnknownThe Will and Grace actress totally missed the mark with her dress which appeared to be made out of plastic.Reese WitherspoonDesigner: Stella McCartney dressThe Oscar winner took a big risk choosing a midnight blue blazer.The red carpet had a variety of colours, frills and glamorous gowns.The  69th Primetime Emmy Awards had it all when it came to all this fashion.Heres a glimpse at some of the nights worst and best dressed.. Vergara also sported a ponytail with a fringe.BESTFelicity HuffmanDesigner: Tony WardThe Desperate Housewives actress looked impeccable in an ice blue lace  gown.  ACLU is  non-profit organisation working hard to protect and defect the rights guaranteed by the countrys Constitution. However, the perfectly tailored fit and colour looked sharp and chic.

Things were at its worst for married

In our search, we met many.. Generally, the unaided sector goes in for younger staff, who may oblige the management and not raise their grievances or ask for salary increments," he says. Jacob, Head of Department of sociology and principal-in-charge of Loyola College of Social Sciences in Sreekaryam, observes, based on the insights he received after assisting a survey on education in the private sector:Dr Biju"It doesn’t seem easy in the unaided sector to organise female employees. In Kozhikode, when the female workforce in textiles started a movement, nothing concrete evolved from it.

Things were at its worst for married people, especially women. She credits the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for being a confidence booster for a young female actor to book the man who circulated obscene clips of her and another to complain against a filmmaker who allegedly used a body double for her character in a movie. Even to open a textile shop there is a licensing mechanism, which is not applicable when a primary school or kindergarten pops up. Pinky (name changed), from the capital city, had the spine to say goodbye to a well-paying job in IT and chose to listen to her inner calling..  Saji P. Women used to fear losing their career in such an undefined workspace. Unfortunately, while earning their daily bread, many women suffer in silence. Teachers are highly underpaid and terribly exploited in such places.   Director Vidhu polyester waterproof bag backpack factory Vincent says the collective has become a beacon of hope in the industry for many female actors to speak out against years of oppression. He thanks WCC for its supportive attitude towards the female actor. In the end, we aim to make cinema a democratic and gender-sensitive space. For hospitals, wage parity is hard to implement when there are different categories of nurses. I had no space to question the authorities or raise my voice against them. Saji P. "Malayalam cinema for long has been an uncultured and indecent space.

They had no objections to me quitting or finding another person in my place for a lesser salary. It is anti-women, inhuman and anti-downtrodden too. It looks like women in cinema have been waiting all this while for something like this to evolve. With no regard to my dignity, I was made to work for long hours that extended till late night. We are bound by a force from within, with no class difference."Professional vengeance reared its ugly head for me to quit. The stereotypical fabric is slowly being cracked after women from a highly "revered" industry formed an independent collective — Women in Cinema — that was instrumental in incarcerating popular actor Dileep for allegedly plotting against an actress. Interpersonal vendetta reached their partners in the form of morphed images and forged voice tapes," she says, while heaving a sigh of relief from the comforts of her present life as a writer.Soon after the actor’s arrest, director Dr Biju yanked the veil from the world of glitz and glamour with a Facebook scribble. In the actress abuse case, we continue to make efforts on different levels while standing strongly by her side.

Along with a demand to examine the existing laws related to cinema, we are going to demand the government to devise a comprehensive cinema policy and act," says Vidhu.," the note reads..It is good that such a path-breaking initiative was made possible by the women behind the screens. Private schools come under a terribly unorganised and unmonitored sector. Nursing institutes, private schools and textiles have the rest of the women trapped. Jacob"It all happened because the Collective assures our fellow beings they are not alone in their fight against injustice. In the unorganised sector, if anything of this magnitude happens, we’ll call it a miracle. Work pressure was high when I put in my papers.Your eyes may dart over this space, looking for the voices of unheard, oppressed and downtrodden women from the "safest" workplaces on earth. Still, there exists feudalism.