Azad Hussain
The modern era is leading humanity in directions whose long-term consequences we often fail to fully understand. Technological advancement is no longer gradual; it is rapid and, at times, overwhelming. Banking has moved from physical counters to mobile applications, shopping from local markets to online platforms, television and radio to social media, newspapers to digital PDFs, and restaurant visits to doorstep deliveries. Artificial intelligence has further accelerated this transformation, making information, services, and even decisions appear instantly available at our fingertips.
Undoubtedly, these developments have brought enormous benefits. They save time, increase efficiency, reduce physical barriers, and expand access to services—even in remote areas. For many, technology has simplified daily life and opened new opportunities. However, convenience alone does not guarantee that every change is beneficial. The real danger lies not in change itself, but in blindly surrendering to it—assuming that whatever is new must automatically be correct, safe, or desirable.
History repeatedly reminds us that progress without reflection often creates new problems. Just as medicines come with side effects, technology too carries hidden risks. The internet and artificial intelligence are powerful tools, but without awareness, restraint, and ethical use, they can cause serious harm to individuals and society. Social media offers a clear example. While it connects people and spreads information quickly, it also spreads misinformation, half-truths, and deliberate falsehoods at alarming speed. In many cases, rumours travel faster than verified facts, creating fear, mistrust, and even law-and-order situations.
Kashmir has witnessed such consequences in the recent past. When rotten meat was seized at a few specific locations, social media narratives quickly turned accusatory. Instead of holding only the guilty accountable, every restaurant owner and meat seller was blamed. False claims were circulated without verification, damaging reputations and livelihoods. Technology must support justice—not replace it with digital mob judgment.
Similarly, online banking has brought financial services into homes, especially benefiting people who once had to travel long distances to access banks. Yet alongside this convenience, cyber fraud is rising sharply. Phishing calls, fake links, and digital scams target the unaware, particularly the elderly. The solution is not to reject online banking, but to educate users about digital safety, strong passwords, verification mechanisms, and responsible online behaviour.
Online shopping presents another complex picture. While it offers ease, variety, and competitive pricing to consumers, offline markets have suffered. Influencer-driven promotions and constant online discounts have reduced footfall in traditional shops, leaving many small traders anxious about survival. The way forward lies neither in resisting technology nor in surrendering to it blindly, but in adapting creatively—by combining digital tools with local trust, personalised service, and ethical business practices.
Perhaps the most worrying consequence of uncritical adaptation is visible among children and young people. Excessive dependence on gadgets and artificial intelligence is gradually weakening independent thinking. Instead of using memory, logic, and imagination, children increasingly rely on external devices for answers. Over time, this can affect creativity, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Here again, the issue is not technology itself, but our failure as adults to set boundaries, provide guidance, and encourage balanced use.
Change, however, is inevitable—and it cannot be stopped. Society must evolve, just as life itself moves forward. But evolution does not mean mindless imitation. True progress demands conscious effort. It requires individuals and institutions to examine change critically, adopt what is useful, and reject what is harmful. Adapting positively means updating skills, values, and attitudes without losing ethical foundations.
Ultimately, progress is not about the direction in which change pushes us; it is about how we prepare ourselves to respond to it. Not every new trend deserves acceptance, and not every old practice deserves rejection. Wisdom lies in balance.
Change should shape our tools, not our thinking. If we want progress to uplift society, we must first change ourselves—by thinking critically, acting responsibly, and adapting positively. Only then can change become a force for growth rather than a source of confusion and harm.
