It will not be wrong to say that technology is by far one of the most important aspects of lives of millions across the globe. Starting from waking up every morning till we go back to bed, we let technological advancements aid us in completing more tasks than what we could have earlier.

It has helped us manage our resources efficiently, utilize our time effectively – giving us a sense of confidence to take up more workload.

But where is this heading?

How often has one turned off the laptop at 11 pm only to retire to bed and check social media updates on the mobile phone? How often does one spend time talking to family over dinner without the distraction of television or important calls? How often does one go on a vacation – a real vacation to relax – ensuring minimal contact with the outside world?

As paradoxical as it may sound, technology has been a boon making us more efficient, but it has also caused us to become more negligent.

As Albert Einstein rightly said, “The human spirit must prevail over technology.” It is the high time people realize the importance of true socializing. Instead of whining about how technology has killed human interaction, we can take matters into our hands and start working with technology to build on our interpersonal skills. While technology has driven us away from those who genuinely matter, let us use the same technology to bring us closer.

Remember to plan your week in advance. On your gadget, use To-do check-lists mentioning timelines to break-down each day of the week. You might already be doing this, but now do this with a twist – Make three To-do lists: Work/Official, Home/Family/Friends, Interests/Personal.

When you add to the list, ensure that all the three lists are equal.

Make it a point to include everything – be it messaging/emailing friends to keep in touch, taking your family out to dinner, meeting friends for a coffee, or whatever it is that’s imperative to you. Just like you make appointments at work, have time slots for your loved ones. And while you are with them, give them your undivided attention. You’ll notice a drastic improvement in your energy levels!

Use your gadget to go off every day at a time of your choice. That moment stops everything that you’re doing and ensure that you talk to whoever is around you. A few minutes of talking to people at your workplace will keep you aware of your surroundings and also aid you to get to know/learn something new every day!

While you are out on a family vacation/ a business trip/ anywhere traveling, take time to cut off from all distractions and truly take in the beauty of the place. There is no need to capture every moment, there is no need to post live updates of your travel, there is no need to be so worked up on making the vacation perfect – just be. Give yourself a chance to enjoy the break that you’re getting.

If you are someone who is fond of reading but don’t get the time to do so, although you have an e-book reader, why not allow an hour every day before retiring to bed to do so? Ensure that you are away from all other gadgets that might distract you. And if your spouse is into reading as well, then what better than reading together? You could make it a family reading hour and encourage all your family members to read for that one hour. Make this as a family book reading club of sorts and grow together, while having a fun activity together.

The bottom line is simple: Do justice to the people who have helped you reach this level. Give them your time, and you’ll see yourself as someone who has truly achieved efficiency using all the technological resources available to you. John-David Bartoe, American astrophysicist and current research manager for the International Space Station, on seeing the earth during his time on the ISS, said this:

“As I looked down, I saw a large river meandering slowly along for miles, passing from one country to another without stopping. I also saw huge forests, extending along several borders. And I watched the extent of one ocean touch the shores of separate continents. Two words leaped to mind as I looked down on all this: commonality and interdependence. We are one world.”

Information is like the large river; it flows unhindered. Vast forests are like the multinational companies, they cross borders and unite the world. Oceans are like technology, present everywhere. We have information at the tip of our fingers, thanks to the internet. Acquiring knowledge has never been easier, thanks to the exposure and connectivity across countries. Humans are dependent on technology and humans cannot work alone – let us unite ourselves and develop our skills instead of being slaves to technology. After all, we are the creators of technology.