Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Computer & internet

I completely agree with the views expressed by Sumit Raina in the article “Where computer is god and internet the umbilical cord” (Open Page, Nov. 14). In the modern world, online activity has become inevitable in all fields — ticketing, banking, paying bills, shopping, correspondence, dating, seeking jobs, trading, etc. By resorting to the click of a mouse for everything, we have lost the human touch. Youngsters spend most of their time in front of their computers. They do not know how to behave with others or treat the elders. No doubt, conducting business online has its advantages. But the disadvantages are many. It is well known that online trading is one of the main causes of price rise.

Only people — elders, teachers and parents — can teach values to youngsters. Computers cannot. Machines cannot guide them. Unfortunately, children today have no time to sit with the elders because of the internet option.

R. Babu Krishnaraj,

Coimbatore

The article has great relevance to the present scenario. The internet has made our earth a global village. It brings everything close to us. But it creates a huge distance among people. We are losing the human touch and morality. This is a bad sign. Respect for elders is on the decline, especially among teenagers. Students have become less efficient, thanks to their addiction to social networking sites. It is important to use the precious gift of science properly for acquiring knowledge and other constructive work.

Himanshu Dutta,

New Delhi

The internet, in addition to television, has resulted in transforming many into couch potatoes. Anyone who does not frequent the internet is viewed with cynicism. It has become mandatory for all to have a profile in a social networking site, failing which they are considered introverts and friendless. It is amazing to see children at a tender age browse websites with consummate ease. Sadly, the present generation of children does not realise what it is missing. Simple pleasures such as brisk early morning walks, getting drenched in the rain, relaxed evenings with friends, and outdoor games seem outlandish to them. The internet might have made our lives easier, but has it not made our lives equally complicated?

S. Arjun Prasanna,

Chennai

The internet, no doubt, helps us to keep in touch with our friends but there is no substitute for human interaction. All those using the internet should read Mr. Raina's article and understand what they are missing.

P. Natarajan,

Mettur

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