“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” – Albert Einstein
Modern society has been transformed by digital technology. From AI making corporate choices to smart devices organising our lives, machines are more interconnected than ever. Digitalisation offers efficiency, convenience, and global connectedness. Under this shiny surface, a larger concern persists: Machines are increasingly in sync, but humans are disassociating apart.
Digitalization and development
Digitalisation offers numerous benefits, with over 5.18 billion people using the internet, including 64.6% of the global population. India, like other countries, has adopted digitalisation, with efforts like “Digital India” aiming for internet access and interconnectedness. With over 820 million internet users, India is the second-largest online market globally. Government initiatives like Aadhaar biometric identity system and Jan Dhan Yojana have made banking, subsidies, and payments accessible.
Social Media’s Role in Fragmentation
Digital connectivity has led to a decline in human connections, with 72% of adults in the U.S. feeling isolated on social media platforms, and nearly 60% experiencing feelings of inadequacy or loneliness after scrolling through curated feeds. In India, with 462 million social media users, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are integral to daily communication. However, these platforms also contribute to superficial relationships, leading to anxiety and depression among adolescents and young adults. Parents express concerns about digital addiction among children, with 95% of Indian parents worried their children spend too much time on screens, eroding family bonds. Working professionals also find themselves overwhelmed by digital communication, often feeling isolated despite being connected to colleagues through platforms like Zoom or Slack.
The Workplace Disconnect
The rapid integration of digital tools in professional environments has led to increased productivity but decreased human engagement. Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming global sectors, with McKinsey Global Institute predicting that 375 million jobs may be obsolete by 2030. This has exacerbated job insecurity and alienation, with 46% of employees experiencing diminished connectivity and 37% experiencing insufficient engagement. Mental health is also at risk, with the World Health Organisation indicating a 25% increase in anxiety and sadness during the pandemic. Burnout is also increasing, with 40% of employees experiencing overwhelm due to constant digital communication. In India, AI-driven solutions are improving productivity but can lead to worker alienation, with McKinsey & Company forecasting that 69 million occupations may be obsolete by 2030. Remote work has exacerbated feelings of isolation, hampering trust and relationships.
The Digital Divide
Digitalisation has significant global impacts, with nearly 37% of the global population without internet access, according to the International Telecommunication Union. This divide exacerbates existing inequalities in education, healthcare, and economic prospects, leading to increased exclusion from essential services and opportunities. In India, over 45% of rural households lack internet connectivity, highlighting the digital gap in education, healthcare, and work. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted this disparity, with only 15% of rural families having computers, exacerbating the learning gap. The government’s National Digital Health Mission aims to address this disparity by digitizing health records and offering teleconsultations, but significant hurdles persist in spreading these digital advantages to rural India. Rectifying this disparity is crucial to ensure digitalisation serves as an instrument for inclusion, rather than a catalyst for increased inequality.
Privacy and Data Concerns
Digitalisation raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding privacy and data security. With the rise of data collection and AI-driven surveillance, 68% of internet users express concern about the management of their personal data. In India, platforms like Aadhaar have raised concerns about potential exploitation. A 2023 survey by the Internet Freedom Foundation revealed 65% of Indians are concerned about the lack of privacy protections in the digital environment. The lack of a comprehensive data protection law intensifies concerns about the expanding surveillance powers of private entities and the government, causing widespread unease.
Digitalisation mirroring society Us vs Them
Digitalisation often reinforces societal disparities, reinforcing social, economic, and political divisions. Algorithms in digital environments create echo chambers where people predominantly encounter perspectives that conform to their beliefs, fostering polarization. Diversity within society, combined with prejudices and distrust, exacerbates volatility. Social media is used to construct distorted images, legitimizing social marginalization and violence against specific communities. Examples of this include global elections and political discussions on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Digital tools are exploited to disseminate misinformation, exacerbating ideological rifts and fostering animosity. The digital landscape often exacerbates societal divides rather than bridging them.
Bridging the Disconnect
Society must balance technology advancement and human connection to face digitalisation. Hybrid work models, like those used by Google and Amazon, offer social benefits and remote work effectiveness. Addressing the global digital divide is crucial for digital inclusion and eliminating inequality. India’s digitalisation problem requires a diverse approach, including the government’s BharatNet program for rural internet access, hybrid learning methods for underserved students, and improved healthcare access through mobile clinics, telemedicine, and digital infrastructure. Prioritizing team collaboration and face-to-face interactions in remote or hybrid workplaces is essential to retain human relationships and foster community in an increasingly virtual world.
Conclusion:
Digitalization, which connects technology while separating humans, has led to increased isolation, disengagement, and inequality. It’s crucial to remember the importance of human connection and ensure technology doesn’t replace it. India must balance digital activities with human engagement to avoid compromising real human engagement, despite the challenges of connecting machines.