Curse of Communication

The world has taken giant leaps in the advancement of science and technology in the last two decades, with particular reference to internet and telecommunication. The wireless communication came into existence through expensive and cumbersome mobile phone sets, ostensibly becoming a status symbol of the elite class about 10 years ago. Within years they became obsolete and were replaced by slim, sleek, light weight, efficient, long battery life and extraordinary cheap cell phones which are under use by everyone irrespective of rich or poor. The non-affordable luxury has transformed into an indispensable need of the common man.

While there are innumerable boons of wireless communication but, like every manmade invention, the cell phone also fetches with it many nuisances making the life tense, irritating and often a cause of annoyance. The desire to be in touch round the clock also carries some demerits like unwanted and untimely calls testing your nerves; office/business calls, spouse’s tracking every now and then, children’s demands, etc.

No one would dispute the assertion that cell starts ringing & singing the moment; the meeting commences, one drives the car into a busy street, enters the house after a long working day, uses the toilet, and worst of all; during intimate moments. The irony is; on these events one always mistakenly presumes that the cell is already put to the vibration or silent mode! The situation is inescapable for those who use more than one cell phone or multiple SIM cards.

Your life is always in danger on the streets of Karachi and Lahore because you never know when a cell-snatcher suddenly appears and puts his gun at your forehead. A little resistance and life is gone. Cell phones are widely misused by young boys and girls in the name of fun and masti. Futile texting is a prime cause of wastage of time and money. Receiving non-stop silly texts is a daily affair and a source of embarrassment for young girls, working women and housewives. Cell phones are entry points for the influx of dirty language, filthy jokes and unrecognizable & incomprehensible terms and abbreviations.

The major disadvantage of cell phone usage is during driving; instead of using hands free device people keep cling the cell with ear while controlling the steering with other hand. The worst and extremely dangerous situation is when drivers use cell for texting.

Gone are the days when a household used to spend a couple of hundred rupees per month on landline phone. Phone was kept in close surveillance; often under a locked cover to avoid misuse by own family members and neighbors. Agreeing to a request by the close-relatives, friends and neighbors for outstation call was simply impossible. The biggest lies in that era were; Hamara phone kharab hae, there is no dial tone, and would even say shamelessly; “one way hogaya hae”.

Cell phones have made deep inroads in our lives. We can’t live without them. Latest technology and operating companies have made them affordable for everyone. New models of cells grab your attention every six months and compel you to buy a new one, an expensive one; also buy for your family members. Enjoy happy life on Credit Cards!